Alfalfa Sprouts Implicated in Multi-State Illness Outbreak

Health officials have issued a warning against consuming certain brands of alfalfa sprouts after 55 people were reported ill due to contamination with E. coli and salmonella in 15 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the outbreak has led to four hospitalizations, though no fatalities have been reported.

States Hit Hardest

The majority of cases have been recorded in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Minnesota health authorities reported that 23 residents fell ill between July 8 and August 8, with two requiring hospitalization. Among these, three individuals were diagnosed with salmonella, while one also tested positive for a strain of E. coli known as STEC O168:H8. Additionally, seven others were infected with another E. coli strain, STEC O103:H25, and thirteen with STEC O26:H11. Wisconsin has identified 18 cases linked to the same source.

Source of Contamination

The illnesses have been traced back to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota-based grower. The contaminated sprouts were distributed under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands to various restaurants and grocery stores. State and federal officials are collaborating to determine the contamination's full scope and origin.

Unusual Dual Contamination

Outbreaks of foodborne illnesses typically involve a single type of pathogen, making this incident particularly unusual. Bill Marler, a Seattle-based attorney with extensive experience in food safety cases, noted that seeds used for sprouting can easily harbor contaminants. The warm water used in sprouting is conducive to bacterial growth, complicating cleaning efforts.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, can cause severe symptoms such as stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea, potentially leading to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition involving kidney failure. Salmonella infections can result in diarrhea, fever, vomiting, dehydration, and stomach cramps.

Precautionary Measures

The CDC advises consumers to discard or return the affected alfalfa sprouts and to thoroughly wash any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with them. This precautionary step aims to prevent further spread of the bacteria.