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Minnesota health officials are warning consumers to discard alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts after linking the products to an unusual outbreak involving both E. coli and salmonella infections. The investigation has identified 23 illnesses in Minnesota and 18 more in Wisconsin, with two people hospitalized and additional cases expected as the investigation continues.
The Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture determined that residents became ill after consuming alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minneapolis-based wholesale sprout and microgreen farm. The illnesses occurred between July 8 and August 8, affecting people who had eaten the contaminated sprouts.
The outbreak is particularly unusual because it involves a single source but two different types of foodborne bacteria: salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Carlota Medus, a supervisor of the Minnesota Department of Health's foodborne diseases unit, explained that investigators have identified one type of salmonella and three different types of STEC, with some individuals suffering co-infections from both pathogens.
The affected sprouts were sold under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brands to grocery stores, including Cub, Kowalski's, and Jerry's, as well as to restaurants. Health officials urge anyone with these products to throw them away immediately and not consume them.
Investigators linked the illnesses to the common source by interviewing sick individuals who had eaten sandwiches containing sprouts at various restaurants, then reviewing invoices to identify Everything Sprouts as the supplier.
The outbreak follows previous concerns about sanitation at Everything Sprouts. In March 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent a warning letter to the company after a 2024 inspection found serious violations of the Produce Safety Rule. According to the FDA, inspectors documented roof leaks that allowed water to drip onto exposed sprouts, condensation from refrigeration equipment, dirty strip curtains that contacted harvested sprouts, and flaking paint above conveyor belts. The agency warned that failing to correct these violations could result in legal action, including product seizure or injunction.
Salmonella infections typically cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, with symptoms developing 12 to 96 hours after exposure. Most people recover within five to seven days, though some cases require hospitalization. Minnesota typically reports about 1,000 salmonella infections each year.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection can cause stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. Symptoms usually begin two to five days after exposure, and most people recover within five to seven days. However, STEC can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition causing kidney failure. Minnesota reports approximately 85 E. coli infections annually.
Health officials advise anyone who consumed potentially contaminated sprouts and developed symptoms to contact a healthcare provider and mention the possible exposure. People with suspected STEC infections should not take antibiotics for diarrhea unless directed by a healthcare professional, as antibiotics can increase the risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine the full extent of the outbreak and identify all potentially contaminated products.