Updated
Updated · Fox Business · Aug 21
CDC Links 55 Illnesses in 15 States to Alfalfa Sprouts, Hospitalizing 4
Updated
Updated · Fox Business · Aug 21

CDC Links 55 Illnesses in 15 States to Alfalfa Sprouts, Hospitalizing 4

3 articles · Updated · Fox Business · Aug 21

Summary

  • Fifty-five people in 15 states have fallen ill in an E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts, with four hospitalizations and no deaths reported.
  • Everything Sprouts produced the affected sprouts, sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands, and consumers were told to throw them away or return them and sanitize any contacted surfaces.
  • Minnesota reported 21 cases and Wisconsin 17, while the outbreak involved three E. coli strains and one salmonella strain; illnesses began in late May and continued through Aug. 8.
  • The CDC, FDA and state officials are investigating as the outbreak adds to recent food-borne illness alerts linked to jalapeños, iceberg lettuce, eggs and blueberries.

Insights

How did a single batch of alfalfa sprouts become a toxic breeding ground for multiple rare strains of bacteria simultaneously?
Why did a facility with known roof leaks and dirty equipment continue selling high-risk sprouts to unsuspecting restaurants?
With no brand labels on restaurant menus, how can you be sure the raw sprouts you just ate are truly safe?