FDA and CDC probe E. coli, salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts

Federal health regulators are investigating a multistate foodborne illness outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts, with 55 cases reported across 15 states and a voluntary recall now in motion. The unusual part: this outbreak involves multiple pathogens at once, not the typical single-germ pattern.

What regulators found

The FDA and CDC are jointly investigating illnesses tied to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (serotypes O26:H11, O103:H25, and O168:H8) and Salmonella Agona. Epidemiologic and traceback data show that alfalfa sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts, LLC of Minneapolis, MN may be contaminated with multiple pathogens and have been identified as a source of illnesses in this outbreak.

The FDA said in an Aug. 21 update that 46 people have been infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, seven with Salmonella and two with both pathogens. Four people were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

The recall

Everything Sprouts, LLC, based in Minneapolis, said in a notice Friday it is issuing a voluntary recall of its 5-ounce containers of alfalfa sprouts that were distributed since May 27 due to potential E. coli and salmonella contamination. The product was sold under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brands to restaurants and grocery stores.

Everything Sprouts said in a statement that it has conducted daily tests since the outbreak began and has “not received any positive lab results.”

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Where the cases are

Minnesota has recorded the largest number of illnesses, with 21 cases, according to CDC 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 illnesses were reported from May 31 to Aug. 8, the FDA said.

Why this outbreak is unusual

Food poisoning outbreaks tend to be defined by one type of germ, but this outbreak involves people with salmonella and different strains of E. coli. That multi-pathogen profile is why regulators flagged it as atypical and are digging into the grower’s supply chain.

Sprouts have a long history of foodborne outbreaks because the warm, humid conditions needed to grow them also favor bacterial growth. Expect additional scrutiny on smaller specialty producers if the traceback expands.

Options market and stocks to watch

Foodborne outbreaks tend to hit sentiment for grocers, restaurant chains, and food safety names. Watch for:

• KR (Kroger): watch for any exposure headlines given the outbreak spans several Midwest states where the chain has heavy grocery presence.
• SFM (Sprouts Farmers Market): watch for headline-driven volatility on any name with “sprouts” in the ticker, even without direct product involvement.
• CAVA and CMG (Chipotle): watch for restaurant names that rely on fresh produce; sentiment tends to soften during active FDA probes.
• ECL (Ecolab): watch for food safety and sanitation plays that historically catch a bid on outbreak news cycles.

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