Minnesota, Wisconsin salmonella and E. coli outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts grown in Minnesota

Minnesota and Wisconsin health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of salmonella and several strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli linked to alfalfa sprouts, with at least 41 illnesses reported in the two states and more cases expected as the investigation continues.

As of Aug. 20, the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture have identified 23 Minnesota residents who became ill after consuming alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minneapolis-based wholesale sprout and microgreen farm.

Wisconsin investigators have identified another 18 cases. Other states have reported additional illnesses. Two people have been hospitalized.

Health officials say the number of illnesses is likely to increase as investigators work to determine the full extent of the outbreak and identify all potentially contaminated products.

The affected sprouts were sold under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brands to grocery stores and restaurants between July 8 and Aug. 8.

FDA had previously cited sprout farm for sanitation violations

The outbreak comes about a year after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration raised concerns about sanitation practices at Everything Sprouts.

In March 2025, the FDA sent a warning letter to the owner of Everything Sprouts, LLC, following a 2024 inspection that found what the agency described as “serious violations” of the Produce Safety Rule.

According to the FDA, the inspection found that the company’s mung bean, soybean and green sprouts were prepared, packed or held under conditions that could lead to contamination.

Inspectors documented several specific problems, including roof leaks that allowed water to drip near or onto exposed mung bean sprouts and clean employee smocks. Condensation from refrigeration equipment was also found dripping in areas where sprouts were grown or stored.

Other findings included dirty strip curtains that came into direct contact with harvested mung bean sprouts, as well as flaking paint and visible soil on surfaces above a conveyor carrying exposed sprouts.

The FDA warned in the letter that such conditions could create areas where pathogens could survive and make effective sanitation more difficult.

The agency required the company to submit a written response explaining how it would correct the violations and prevent them from recurring. The response was also required to include supporting documentation and a timeline for completing any outstanding corrective measures.

The FDA cautioned that failing “to adequately correct the violations” could result in “legal action, including seizure” of products “or an injunction.”

What consumers can do

Health officials are urging consumers to check their refrigerators for alfalfa sprouts sold under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brands. Anyone who has these products should not eat them and should discard them.

Salmonella infections commonly cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Symptoms generally develop 12 to 96 hours after exposure, although they can take as long as two weeks to appear. Most people recover within five to seven days, but some infections can become severe and require hospitalization.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. A fever may be low-grade or absent. Symptoms usually begin two to five days after exposure, and most people recover within five to seven days.

One of the most serious complications of a STEC infection is hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause kidney failure. Health officials say people with suspected STEC infections should seek medical advice and not take antibiotics for diarrhea unless a healthcare professional directs them, because antibiotics can increase the risk of HUS in some STEC infections.

Anyone who ate potentially contaminated sprouts and developed symptoms of Salmonella or STEC infection should contact a healthcare provider and mention the possible exposure.

Minnesota typically reports about 1,000 Salmonella infections and 85 E. coli infections each year, according to the state health department.

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