Federal health officials are investigating alfalfa sprouts distributed by Minnesota-based Everything Sprouts LLC after 55 people across 15 states were infected with E. coli, Salmonella or both, prompting a recall of certain products sold beginning in late May.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Federal and state health authorities are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli and Salmonella illnesses linked to alfalfa sprouts distributed by Minnesota-based Everything Sprouts LLC, with 55 infections identified across 15 states.
The Food and Drug Administration said in an Aug. 21 update that 46 people have been infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, seven with Salmonella and two with both pathogens.
Four people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Minnesota has recorded the largest number of illnesses, with 21 cases, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Wisconsin follows with 17.
Florida, North Carolina, North Dakota and New York have each reported two cases, while Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota and Washington have each reported one.
The earliest known illness began May 31, according to the CDC, while the latest identified case began Aug. 8.
Investigators linked the outbreak to alfalfa sprouts after interviewing people who became sick about the foods they had consumed during the week before their symptoms appeared.
Of 37 people interviewed, 26 reported eating alfalfa sprouts.
Further investigations involving restaurants and grocery stores traced the sprouts to Everything Sprouts LLC, according to the FDA.
Federal regulators began inspecting the company Wednesday and collected product samples for testing.
The investigation is intended to determine how the sprouts may have become contaminated and whether other products or businesses are connected to the outbreak.
Everything Sprouts announced Aug. 21 that it was working with the FDA and CDC to recall certain lots of its alfalfa sprouts because of possible contamination with STEC and Salmonella.
The recall covers Everything Sprouts Alfalfa products sold in 5-ounce plastic containers with lids and distributed between May 27 and Aug. 21.
The products were shipped to retail grocery stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as certain third-party distributors.
The company said it learned about reports of illnesses through federal and state health authorities but maintained that its own product testing had not detected the pathogens.
The company “became aware of reports of illnesses from federal and state agencies. During this outbreak we have tested our products daily and have not received any positive lab results,” Everything Sprouts said.
“We continue to work closely with public health officials to investigate the source of this potential issue and will provide updates as they become available.”
Everything Sprouts also said it had not directly received any reports of illnesses associated with the recalled products as of its Aug. 21 statement.
The CDC said the outbreak has additionally been linked to Calco-branded sprouts produced by the company.
Health officials are advising consumers not to eat the affected products.
Anyone who purchased the sprouts should discard them or return them to the place of purchase, according to the CDC.
The agency also recommends cleaning objects and surfaces that may have contacted the sprouts, either in a dishwasher or with hot, soapy water.
Both pathogens associated with the outbreak can cause significant illness.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections can cause acute diarrhea within several days of exposure. Most people recover within approximately one week, but some infections can become more serious, particularly among people with weakened immune systems, and complications may require medical attention.
Salmonella infections can also become severe and, in some cases, fatal among vulnerable populations including young children, elderly adults, frail individuals and people with weakened immune systems.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella commonly experience fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, which can sometimes be bloody.
In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and lead to more serious conditions, including arterial infections and arthritis.
The CDC is advising people to contact a healthcare provider “right away” if they develop certain severe symptoms, including bloody diarrhea, diarrhea accompanied by a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, vomiting severe enough that liquids cannot be kept down, diarrhea lasting more than two days without improvement or signs of dehydration.
The FDA investigation remains focused on identifying the source of contamination in the sprouts and determining whether the outbreak extends to any additional products or companies.
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