Sprouts recall expanded after multiple deadly bacteria found in more batches

A nationwide sprouts recall has been expanded after life-threatening pathogens were found on even more batches.

Earlier this month, Minnesota-based Everything Sprouts, LLC, voluntarily recalled several lots of alfalfa sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands due to the potential presence of both salmonella and E. coli bacteria. 

On Friday, the FDA announced the recall has been expanded to include certain lots of Robust Radish Sprout Mix that may also be contaminated with the bacteria. 

No illnesses have been linked specifically to the Robust Radish Sprout Mix, but the latest CDC data from August 24 shows 55 have been sickened and four hospitalized in 15 states as a result of the contaminated sprouts. 

Illnesses were reported in Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin. 

The largest concentrations of cases have been in Minnesota (21) and Wisconsin (17).

While most people exposed to salmonella and E. coli recover on their own, vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals may be at risk of several complications. 

The strain of E. coli in this particular recall produces Shiga toxins that harm the gut lining and lead to severe stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting.

Vulnerable individuals may be more prone to a life-threatening kidney complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure. 

The FDA has urged consumers who purchased contaminated sprouts to dispose of them immediately and carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers the products may have touched. 

According to the CDC, illnesses were reported between May 31 and August 8. The agency cautions that the true toll is still unknown, as it can take three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak. Many people also recover without seeking medical care or formal testing.

Of the 34 people authorities interviewed, 26, or 76 percent, reported eating alfalfa sprouts. 

The newly recalled Robust Radish Sprout Mix was distributed by Everything Sprouts from August 13 to August 26 to wholesale distributors and to grocery stores located in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Products were sold in 5oz cups with the barcode 087906000075. The lot numbers were 223, 226, 230 and 233. 

The FDA had previously warned Everything Sprouts of ‘serious violations’ following an inspection of its facility last year, ABC News reported. 

Inspectors said they reported roof leaks that allowed water to drip onto produce and clean employee smocks, along with a ‘build-up of black organic matter’ on a hose used in the overhead irrigation system, according to an FDA warning letter to Everything Sprouts, LLC from March 28, 2025..

The FDA has not confirmed that those inspection findings caused the current outbreak.

E. coli typically comes from undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy and raw produce like apples, cucumbers and sprouts.

Roughly 75,000 to 90,000 Americans are exposed to E. coli each year and about 100 die annually. However, cases are vastly undercounted because most people recover without complication and do not get tested for the bacteria.

It’s unclear how the recalled fruits became contaminated, but this can happen if they are treated with water that contains animal feces.

E. coli bacteria stop growing at temperatures below 45.5F (7.5C) but can survive being frozen and are able to withstand temperatures below -112F (-80C).

Once back in a warm environment, the bacteria are re-activated and start to grow – potentially causing an infection.

E. coli typically sickens people between two and eight days after exposure.

Most patients develop bloody diarrhea and vomiting, as well as stomach cramps, but recover within a week. In more severe cases, some develop HUS, a type of kidney failure most common in children under five, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms include easy bruising, decreased urine and a pale appearance. A kidney transplant may be necessary in severe or life-threatening instances.

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and dehydration – symptoms that require medical attention, particularly for children under five, adults over 65 and those with weakened immune systems.

The CDC estimates that Salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths in the US each year.

While most cases resolve with supportive care, primarily hydration and rest, the bacteria’s ability to survive stomach acid and invade intestinal cells makes it a powerful pathogen.

In severe cases, the infection can escalate beyond the gastrointestinal tract. 

When Salmonella enters the bloodstream, a condition known as bacteremia, it can travel to other parts of the body and cause secondary infections.

These can include endocarditis, or infection of the heart valves; osteomyelitis, or bone infection; meningitis, or an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord; or septic arthritis, a joint infection.

These invasive infections are particularly dangerous and require prompt treatment with antibiotics, often administered intravenously in a hospital setting.

Invasive salmonellosis can also lead to long-term complications, even after the initial infection resolves.

Some people develop reactive arthritis, a condition characterized by joint pain, eye inflammation, and painful urination that can persist for months or even years.

Others may experience post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome, with chronic digestive issues stemming from the damage the bacteria caused to the intestinal lining during the acute phase of illness.

Salmonella is resilient. It can survive on surfaces for weeks and is resistant to certain environmental stresses, making it difficult to eliminate completely from food manufacturing facilities.

Because contaminated foods look, smell and taste completely normal, the only way to protect consumers is to remove them from the supply chain before they can be eaten.