ATLANTA, GA — Federal health officials have linked alfalfa sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands to 55 E. coli and Salmonella infections across 15 states, prompting warnings for consumers and businesses despite the absence of a product recall.
Four people have been hospitalized, and two individuals were infected with both bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No deaths have been reported.
The affected sprouts were grown by Everything Sprouts and distributed to retailers and grocery stores under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brands.
The CDC and state health departments are continuing to investigate the outbreak. The agency lists the investigation as open and indicates that no recall has been issued.
Consumers should not eat the affected sprouts and should discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Businesses should stop selling or serving the products.
Surfaces, utensils and other items that may have touched the sprouts should be cleaned with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher. Businesses should wash and sanitize potentially contaminated surfaces and equipment.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea that is often bloody. Symptoms typically begin three to four days after exposure, and most people recover within five to seven days.
Some E. coli infections can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney complication that may require hospitalization.
Salmonella infections typically cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, with symptoms appearing between six hours and six days after exposure. Most people recover within four to seven days.
Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of severe Salmonella infections requiring medical treatment or hospitalization.
The CDC noted that outbreaks involving multiple pathogens have occurred previously, including a 2019 gastrointestinal illness outbreak associated with oysters.
The agency’s food safety alert is available at https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/alfalfa-sprouts-08-26/index.html.
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