FDA, CDC Probe Multi-State E. Coli, Salmonella Outbreak Tied To Alfalfa Sprouts
The FDA and CDC on Friday warned Americans not to eat or serve alfalfa sprouts from Minnesota-based Everything Sprouts as they investigate an E. coli and salmonella outbreak.[1]
The agencies say at least 55 illnesses have been reported across 15 states between May 31 and August 8, 2026, including 46 E. coli infections, 7 salmonella infections and 2 co-infections.[1] Most cases have been reported in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and investigators say the outbreak involves multiple E. coli strains plus a single salmonella strain.[1] Everything Sprouts has issued a recall of its alfalfa sprouts.[2]
Between May 31 and August 8 investigators logged the illnesses now linked to the sprouts, and public health laboratories identified the bacterial strains during that period.[1] Rutgers food safety expert Don Schaffner said finding multiple E. coli strains is unusual but not unprecedented, and he noted alfalfa sprout growing conditions are especially conducive to pathogen growth.[1]
The sprout outbreak comes amid other large produce problems this summer, including a widespread cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce and a separate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños.[1] Federal officials say the FDA and CDC are continuing their investigation into the source and distribution of the contaminated sprouts.[1]
Show source details & analysis (2 sources)
📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, August 21, 2026, the FDA and CDC jointly cautioned against eating or serving alfalfa sprouts from Minnesota-based Everything Sprouts while they investigate an E. coli and salmonella outbreak.
- The agencies report at least 55 illnesses across 15 states between May 31 and August 8, 2026, including 46 E. coli infections, 7 salmonella infections and 2 cases involving both pathogens.
- Investigators say the outbreak involves multiple strains of E. coli plus a single salmonella strain, and that most cases have been reported in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
- The New York Times piece places the sprout-linked outbreak alongside a large cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce and a separate salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños, both of which sickened large numbers this summer.
- Food safety expert Don Schaffner of Rutgers University said that involvement of multiple E. coli strains is unusual but not unprecedented and noted that alfalfa sprout growing conditions are conducive to pathogen growth.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- On Friday, August 21, 2026, FDA and CDC jointly cautioned against eating or serving alfalfa sprouts from Minnesota-based Everything Sprouts while they investigate an E. coli and salmonella outbreak.
- The agencies report at least 55 illnesses across 15 states, including 46 E. coli infections, 7 salmonella infections, and 2 cases involving both pathogens between May 31 and August 8, 2026.
- Investigators say the outbreak involves multiple strains of E. coli and a single salmonella strain, and most cases have been reported in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
- The New York Times piece situates the sprout-linked outbreak alongside a large cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce and a separate salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños, both sickening tens of thousands or hundreds of people this summer.
- Food safety expert Don Schaffner of Rutgers University is quoted saying that involvement of multiple E. coli strains is unusual but not unprecedented and noting alfalfa sprout growing conditions are conducive to pathogen growth.