E. coli and Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Packaged Produce Sickens 76

An outbreak of E. coli and Salmonella linked to packaged produce has sickened 76 people across 16 states, an increase of 21 cases since it was first identified on August 21. Two more individuals have been hospitalized, bringing the total to six, according to the latest update from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of October 1.

The outbreak has now spread to Oregon, marking its expansion beyond the primarily Minnesota- and Wisconsin-based illnesses. The majority of those affected have contracted the E. coli strain O26:H11, with three individuals falling ill with both E. coli and Salmonella.

Investigators are focusing on alfalfa and radish sprouts from Everything Sprouts LLC, as well as Berlin Seeds-branded Alfalfa Sprouting Seeds, as potential sources. Everything Sprouts LLC issued a voluntary recall on August 21 for alfalfa sprouts under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands, along with its Robust Radish mix, Crunchy Protein Sprout mix, and Zesty Garlic mix. Berlin Seeds recalled 950 pounds of alfalfa sprouting seed lot SAL2-24JB on September 23 after being notified of potential contamination.

The CDC has advised consumers to discard or return recalled products and to thoroughly wash any surfaces that may have come into contact with them. The recalled products were distributed nationwide, with the exception of Nevada, Louisiana, Georgia, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.

Illnesses were reported between May 31 and September 7, with the average age of those affected being 37. Of the 50 individuals interviewed, 40 reported eating sprouts, and 35 specifically consumed alfalfa sprouts. The CDC notes that due to the time it takes to confirm an outbreak, recent illnesses may not yet be reflected in the reported numbers.

E. coli strains involved in the outbreak, O26:H11, O103:H25, and O168:H8, produce Shiga toxins, which can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, and bloody diarrhea. In severe cases, E. coli can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially fatal kidney condition. Salmonella can cause similar symptoms and, in some instances, can spread to the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening sepsis.

While most healthy adults recover from these infections within a week, individuals under five years old, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe complications. Food can become contaminated with these bacteria if exposed to or irrigated with water containing animal feces, or through cross-contamination during food processing.