Company recalls alfalfa sprouts after CDC says 55 sickened in salmonella, E. coli outbreak
A company linked to an E. coli and salmonella outbreak by federal health officials is recalling its alfalfa sprouts products after at least 55 people have been sickened in 15 states.
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.
Of those sickened, at least four people have been hospitalized, according to an official outbreak notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Everything Sprouts said it is coordinating with the FDA and CDC on the recall.
"Everyday Sprouts became aware of reports of illnesses from federal and state agencies," the company said in its notice. "During this outbreak we have tested our products daily and have not received any positive lab results. 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."
According to federal health officials, 46 people were infected with E. coli, seven people were infected with salmonella and two individuals were infected with both salmonella and E. coli, officials said.
Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 31 to Aug. 8, officials said. The true number of people sick is likely higher than the numbers reported.
"The illnesses have been linked to eating alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota grower, and sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands to restaurants and grocery stores," Minnesota's Department of Health said in a statement. "Health officials recommend people check for alfalfa sprouts from Calco or Everything Sprouts, not eat them, and throw them away."
On Aug. 19, the FDA initiated an inspection and sample collection at Everything Sprouts, recommending the company conduct a recall. The FDA is warning consumers and retailers not to eat or serve the contaminated products.
The FDA had warned Everything Sprouts last year of "serious violations" following an inspection the agency had conducted at its facility. Inspectors determined the company had "insanitary conditions whereby [produce] may have become contaminated with filth, or whereby they may have been rendered injurious to heath."
FDA inspectors said they had found multiple problems, including roof leaks with water dripping onto produce and clean employee smocks. There was also "build-up of black organic matter" on a hose of the overhead irrigation system for produce, inspectors said.
