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As of Oct. 1, the FDA reported 76 confirmed patients across 16 states infected with outbreak strains of E. coli, Salmonella Agona, or both. Investigators have linked some illnesses to alfalfa sprouts from Minneapolis-based Everything Sprouts, but say those products do not explain every case. Six people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
The FDA reported 76 confirmed infections across 16 states in an outbreak involving several strains of E. coli and Salmonella Agona associated with alfalfa sprouts. The Oct. 1 update adds patients and another state to the investigation; six people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
The infections are associated with alfalfa sprout products from Everything Sprouts LLC, a Minneapolis company, according to the FDA. Investigators say epidemiologic and traceback evidence identifies the company’s sprouts as one source of illnesses, but those products do not account for all reported cases. The agency has not named the additional source or sources that may be involved.
The confirmed case total includes 64 people infected with E. coli, nine with Salmonella and three who tested positive for both. The E. coli outbreak strains include O26:H11, O103:H25 and O168:H8; the Salmonella strain is Agona. Illnesses began between May 31 and Sept. 7, according to the report.
Patients have been reported in Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin. Public health officials are interviewing patients about food eaten during the week before symptoms began. Of 50 people interviewed so far, 40 reported eating sprouts, and 35 specifically reported alfalfa sprouts.
Why Sprout Exposure Matters
The investigation concerns two foodborne pathogens, and some patients were infected with more than one outbreak strain. That makes the case count more complex than a single-pathogen outbreak and means investigators are tracing both the reported illnesses and the products that could connect them.
Sprouts are commonly eaten raw or lightly cooked, so they may not receive a cooking step that would reduce bacteria. The outbreak has also prompted product and seed recalls, while the FDA’s finding that Everything Sprouts products do not explain every illness leaves open the possibility of other sources. The confirmed tally is not a full measure of how many people may have become sick.
People who ate implicated products and develop symptoms should contact a health care provider and mention the possible exposure, the source material advises. E. coli and Salmonella illness can resemble other conditions, and diagnosis may require specific testing. Severe symptoms, including signs associated with kidney complications from E. coli, warrant prompt medical attention.
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Recalls and Traceback Findings
The FDA first reported the outbreak on Aug. 21, when 55 patients had been identified. On Aug. 22, Everything Sprouts initiated a recall of certain alfalfa sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands. The company also recalled Robust Radish mix, Crunchy Protein Sprout mix and Zesty Garlic mix, according to the report.
A separate seed recall followed on Sept. 23. Berlin Seeds of Millersburg, Ohio, recalled 950 pounds of alfalfa sprouting seeds after its supplier alerted the company that the seeds could be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, known as STEC, and/or Salmonella. The lot, SAL2-24JB, was identified through traceback as seed used by another sprout grower whose finished sprouts were part of the FDA investigation. The FDA has not identified the seed supplier.
The report says the official patient count likely misses some illnesses because not everyone seeks care or receives testing. It cites CDC estimates that for each Salmonella outbreak patient identified, 29 may go undetected, and for E. coli, 26 may go undetected. Those are estimates, not a calculation of this outbreak’s total; the number of unreported cases is unknown.
“Alfalfa sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts LLC are a source of illnesses in this outbreak, but these sprouts do not explain all the illnesses.”
— U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as reported by Food Safety News
Sources Still Under Investigation
The FDA has not explained what accounts for illnesses beyond those linked to Everything Sprouts products. The seed lot recalled by Berlin Seeds was traced to another sprout grower whose finished products were included in the investigation, but the source material does not identify that grower or establish that the seed accounts for all remaining cases. The seed supplier has not been named.
The confirmed total may also change as interviews, testing and traceback work continue. The report does not identify the additional state added in the latest update, give the names of affected patients, or provide a new consumer advisory covering every product or seller under investigation. It also does not state whether the recalls have removed all potentially affected products from sale.
Further Case and Product Updates
State and local health officials are continuing interviews with patients, while the FDA investigates product and seed supply chains. Additional confirmed infections, traceback results or recall information could change the agency’s understanding of how many products and growers are involved. No timetable for completing the investigation is given in the source report.
Consumers who may have purchased recalled sprouts or mixes should check the recall information from the company and relevant food-safety authorities for product details and handling instructions. Anyone who becomes ill after eating a potentially implicated product should seek medical advice and tell the provider about the possible exposure. The investigation remains active, and the FDA’s case count reflects confirmed reports as of Oct. 1.
Key Questions
How many people are confirmed sick?
The FDA count was 76 confirmed patients across 16 states as of Oct. 1, 2026. The total includes people infected with E. coli, Salmonella Agona, or both.
Which products have been recalled?
Everything Sprouts recalled certain alfalfa sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands, along with Robust Radish mix, Crunchy Protein Sprout mix and Zesty Garlic mix. Berlin Seeds separately recalled 950 pounds of alfalfa sprouting seeds. Check official recall notices for specific product details.
Are all outbreak illnesses linked to Everything Sprouts?
No. The FDA says the company’s alfalfa sprouts are one source of illnesses, but they do not explain all cases. Investigators are continuing to examine other possible sources.
What should someone do after possible exposure?
Anyone who ate a potentially implicated product and develops symptoms should contact a health care provider and mention the possible exposure. Specific testing may be needed to diagnose E. coli or Salmonella; severe symptoms require prompt care.
Source: rss
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