The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded a nationwide recall of packaged sprouts to its highest risk classification, Class I, following an outbreak of illnesses linked to salmonella and E. coli bacteria. The recall, initiated by Minnesota-based Everything Sprouts, now encompasses products that have sickened 55 people and led to four hospitalizations.
The FDA's Class I designation is reserved for situations where there is a "reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." As of September 1, illnesses have been reported in 15 states across the Midwest, South, and Northeast, with Minnesota and Wisconsin accounting for nearly two-thirds of the cases. No deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak.
Initially, on August 22, Everything Sprouts recalled 2,200 pounds of its alfalfa sprouts due to concerns over potential contamination with salmonella and E. coli. Six days later, the company expanded the recall to include 300 pounds of its Robust Radish Sprout Mix, citing fears of cross-contamination. While all reported illnesses and hospitalizations have been linked to the alfalfa sprouts, the radish mix was included in the recall as a precautionary measure. Cross-contamination can occur when products are prepared using the same machinery, which can become contaminated and spread bacteria.
The recalled sprouts were sold in 5oz plastic containers or cups featuring the Everything Sprouts logo. The affected alfalfa sprouts carried barcodes 860014523113, 860014523120, and 850079470149, while the robust radish sprout mix had the barcode 087906000075. Lot codes 222 through 233 were printed near the barcodes. The alfalfa sprouts were available on shelves from May 27 to August 21, and the robust radish mix from August 13 to August 26.
Health officials are urging consumers who purchased the recalled sprouts not to consume them. Instead, they should be thrown away or returned to the store for a full refund. Furthermore, consumers are advised to thoroughly wash any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled alfalfa sprouts using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
Individuals experiencing symptoms after consuming the sprouts, such as a temperature above 102°F or diarrhea that persists for more than two days, are advised to seek immediate medical attention. The E. coli strain involved produces Shiga toxins, which can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially fatal condition affecting the kidneys. Salmonella infections can also cause severe illness, and in some cases, spread to the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening sepsis, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Salmonella infections typically cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, while E. coli infections can result in bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Most healthy individuals recover within a week, but children under five, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications. Salmonellosis is a leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., resulting in an estimated 1.35 million infections, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 450 deaths annually. E. coli infections cause approximately 70,000 infections, 2,100 hospitalizations, and 61 deaths each year.
According to a report by ABC News, the FDA had previously issued a warning letter to Everything Sprouts, LLC, on March 28, 2025, detailing "serious violations" observed during an inspection of its facility. The inspection reportedly found issues such as roof leaks dripping onto produce and employee smocks, and a "build-up of black organic matter" on a hose used in the irrigation system. The FDA has not confirmed if these past inspection findings are directly related to the current outbreak.