Alfalfa Sprouts Recalled Amid Salmonella, E. coli Outbreak This

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Quick Answer: As of August 21, 2026, Everything Sprouts, LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota has recalled alfalfa sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brand names after the CDC confirmed 55 people across 15 U.S. states were sickened by both Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve these products. Throw them away or return them to the store immediately. [1][7][8]

Key Takeaways

The alfalfa sprouts recalled amid Salmonella, E. coli outbreak this August 2026 are sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brand names, distributed by Everything Sprouts, LLC of Minneapolis, MN. [5]
As of August 21, 2026, 55 people in 15 states have been infected; 4 have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. [1][7]
This outbreak is unusual because it involves four separate pathogen strains: three STEC strains (O26:H11, O103:H25, and O168:H8) and one Salmonella strain (Salmonella Agona). [4][7]
The recall covers 5-ounce plastic containers of alfalfa sprouts distributed from May 27, 2026, through the recall date. [5]
FDA initiated an on-site inspection and traceback investigation at Everything Sprouts on August 19, 2026; the outbreak is still listed as active and ongoing. [2][4]
People at higher risk, including children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems, should avoid all raw sprouts regardless of brand. [7][8]
A parallel but separate alfalfa sprout outbreak linked to Salmonella Bovismorbificans affected 109 people across 10 EU/EEA countries and the UK between January and May 2026, underscoring a global food-safety pattern with this product. [11]
If you ate recalled sprouts and feel sick, contact your healthcare provider and report the illness to your local health department.

What Alfalfa Sprout Brands Are Recalled in August 2026

Everything Sprouts, LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota is the company behind the alfalfa sprouts recalled amid Salmonella, E. coli outbreak this August 2026. The two affected brand names are Calco and Everything Sprouts. [1][3][5]

The recall, announced on August 21, 2026, covers:

Product: 5-ounce plastic containers of alfalfa sprouts
Brands: Calco and Everything Sprouts
Distribution window: May 27, 2026, through August 21, 2026
Distributed to: Restaurants and grocery stores across multiple states [5]

FDA’s outbreak investigation (reference #1394) shows the agency recommended the recall after completing traceback analysis and initiating an on-site inspection at the facility on August 19, 2026. [4] Retailers have been instructed to stop selling and dispose of all affected lots immediately. [5]

Decision rule: If your sprouts carry either the Calco or Everything Sprouts label and were purchased any time after late May 2026, discard them without tasting.

What Causes Salmonella and E. coli Contamination in Sprouts

Sprouts are contaminated at the seed level, not just during handling. Alfalfa seeds can harbor Salmonella or E. coli in microscopic crevices on the seed coat. Once seeds are placed in warm, humid sprouting conditions (typically 70-80°F with constant moisture), any bacteria present multiply rapidly. [7][8]

Several factors make sprouts especially high-risk:

Warm, moist environment during sprouting is ideal for bacterial growth
No kill step: Most sprouts are eaten raw, so bacteria are never exposed to heat
Seed contamination: Pathogens can survive on seeds through storage and transport
Low infectious dose: STEC strains like O26:H11 can cause illness with very few bacterial cells

The current outbreak involves three STEC strains simultaneously alongside Salmonella Agona, which is highly unusual. Public health investigators believe this multi-pathogen contamination originated at the seed or production level rather than from cross-contamination during retail. [4][7]

A parallel European outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans linked to alfalfa sprouted seeds (109 confirmed cases across 10 EU/EEA countries and the UK, January-May 2026) reinforces that this is a systemic global issue with alfalfa seed supply chains, not an isolated incident. [11]

Where Were the Recalled Alfalfa Sprouts Sold and Which Stores Pulled Them

The recalled sprouts were distributed to both restaurants and grocery stores across multiple U.S. states. As of August 21, 2026, the CDC and FDA have confirmed illnesses in 15 states, and Minnesota health officials were among the first to issue public warnings. [1][3][6]

Specific retailers have been instructed to remove the products from shelves. While a full national retailer list had not been publicly released as of the article’s last update, the following is confirmed:

Distribution spanned grocery retail and food service channels
Minnesota and Wisconsin were among the earliest states to report linked illnesses [6]
FDA’s traceback investigation included both restaurant and grocery store purchase points [4]

What to do if you’re unsure: Check the label. If it says Calco or Everything Sprouts and was purchased after late May 2026, discard it. Contact the store where you bought it for refund or return information.

Salmonella and E. coli Symptoms From Contaminated Sprouts

Symptoms of infection from the recalled alfalfa sprouts can appear within 1-10 days of eating contaminated food, depending on the pathogen. [7][8]

STEC (E. coli O26, O103, O168) symptoms:

Severe stomach cramps
Diarrhea (often bloody)
Vomiting
Low-grade fever
Symptoms typically begin 3-4 days after exposure and last 5-7 days

Salmonella Agona symptoms:

Diarrhea
Fever
Stomach cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Symptoms typically begin 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and last 4-7 days

When to seek emergency care: A small percentage of STEC infections, particularly in children under 5, develop into hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney complication. Warning signs include decreased urination, extreme fatigue, and pale skin. Seek emergency care immediately if these appear. [7]

What to Do If You Ate Recalled Alfalfa Sprouts

If you ate sprouts from the Calco or Everything Sprouts brands recently, take these steps right away. [4][7][8]

Check for symptoms. Monitor yourself for diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, or vomiting for up to 10 days after consumption.
Contact your doctor. If you feel sick, call your healthcare provider. Mention that you may have eaten recalled alfalfa sprouts and give the date you ate them.
Report the illness. Contact your local or state health department. This helps investigators track the outbreak’s spread.
Sanitize your kitchen. Wash and sanitize any surfaces, cutting boards, containers, or utensils that touched the sprouts. Use a food-safe sanitizer or a diluted bleach solution.
Do not self-treat with antibiotics for STEC infections without medical guidance, as certain antibiotics may increase the risk of HUS. [7]
Save the packaging. If possible, keep the container with the lot number intact for health officials.

Can You Cook Alfalfa Sprouts to Kill Salmonella and E. coli

Cooking alfalfa sprouts to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) will kill Salmonella and E. coli. However, most people eat alfalfa sprouts raw in salads, sandwiches, and wraps, which means the contamination risk remains fully intact during typical use. [7][8]

Practical limits of cooking sprouts:

Alfalfa sprouts become limp and lose their texture when cooked, making them less appealing for their primary uses
Home cooking temperatures are difficult to verify throughout a small, tangled sprout mass
The FDA and CDC do not recommend cooking as a mitigation strategy during an active recall; they recommend discarding the product entirely [4][7]

Bottom line: During this active outbreak, cooking is not a reliable safety measure. Throw away the recalled product.

Is It Safe to Eat Alfalfa Sprouts Right Now and When Will They Be Safe Again

As of August 22, 2026, it is not safe to eat alfalfa sprouts sold under the Calco or Everything Sprouts brand names. The FDA’s outbreak investigation remains active, and additional cases or an expanded recall are possible. [2][4][7]

For alfalfa sprouts from other brands, the risk is lower but not zero. The CDC has long advised that people at higher risk for severe illness, including children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant people, and immunocompromised individuals, should avoid all raw sprouts of any kind as a general precaution. [7][8]

When will alfalfa sprouts be safe to buy again? FDA and CDC have not issued a specific timeline. The outbreak will be declared over once no new cases are reported for a sustained period and the source contamination has been confirmed and corrected. Check the FDA’s active outbreak investigation page regularly for updates. [2][4]

Safe Alternatives to Alfalfa Sprouts for Salads and Sandwiches

Several foods can replace alfalfa sprouts in salads, sandwiches, and wraps without the current contamination risk. From a nutritional standpoint, many of these alternatives match or exceed the micronutrient profile of alfalfa sprouts.

Alternative	Best Use	Key Nutrients
Microgreens (sunflower, pea)	Salads, sandwiches	Vitamins C, E, K
Shredded cabbage (green or purple)	Slaws, wraps, tacos	Fiber, Vitamin C, K
Thinly sliced radishes	Salads, grain bowls	Folate, Vitamin C
Cucumber ribbons	Sandwiches, salads	Hydration, Vitamin K
Arugula or watercress	Salads, flatbreads	Calcium, Vitamins A, C, K

Microgreens are particularly worth noting: some studies have found they contain significantly higher concentrations of certain vitamins and antioxidants per gram than their mature counterparts, making them a nutritionally dense swap.

How to Grow Alfalfa Sprouts Safely at Home

Home sprouting reduces some supply-chain risks but does not eliminate them. Seed contamination is the primary source of outbreaks, and home growers use the same commercial seeds. [7][8]

If you choose to grow sprouts at home after the current outbreak is resolved, follow these steps to minimize risk:

Buy seeds labeled for sprouting from a reputable supplier with food-safety certifications.
Sanitize your sprouting jar before each use with hot soapy water followed by a food-safe sanitizer.
Rinse seeds thoroughly before soaking and discard any that look discolored or damaged.
Rinse sprouts twice daily with clean, cold water during the growing cycle to reduce bacterial buildup.
Refrigerate finished sprouts at 40°F (4°C) or below and consume within 2-3 days.
Discard sprouts that smell sour, look slimy, or develop unusual discoloration.

Common mistake: Using warm water for rinsing because it speeds growth. Warm water also accelerates bacterial multiplication. Always rinse with cold water.

People at higher risk should avoid homegrown raw sprouts entirely, not just recalled commercial brands. [7][8]

Do All Raw Sprouts Carry a Contamination Risk

Yes. Raw sprouts of all types, including mung bean, clover, radish, and broccoli sprouts, carry an inherent contamination risk because of the warm, moist conditions required for germination. The FDA and CDC have issued sprout-related food safety warnings repeatedly over the past two decades. [7][8]

Alfalfa sprouts have been linked to multiple outbreaks in the U.S. and internationally. The current alfalfa sprouts recalled amid Salmonella, E. coli outbreak this August 2026 is one of the more complex events in recent years because it involves four distinct pathogen strains simultaneously. [4][7]

Risk hierarchy for sprouts (general guidance):

Highest risk: Alfalfa, clover, radish (thin seed coat, high surface area)
Moderate risk: Mung bean, lentil (slightly more robust structure)
Lower risk when cooked: Bean sprouts used in stir-fries (heat applied before eating)

No raw sprout is completely safe, but cooking any sprout to 165°F eliminates the pathogen risk.

Conclusion

The alfalfa sprouts recalled amid Salmonella, E. coli outbreak this August 2026 represent one of the most complex sprout-related food safety events in recent U.S. history, involving four distinct pathogen strains and 55 confirmed illnesses across 15 states as of August 21, 2026. [1][7][8]

Immediate action steps for consumers:

Discard now any alfalfa sprouts labeled Calco or Everything Sprouts purchased after May 27, 2026.
Sanitize all kitchen surfaces and utensils that contacted the product.
See a doctor if you have symptoms of foodborne illness, especially bloody diarrhea or signs of kidney problems.
Avoid all raw sprouts if you are in a high-risk group (children, older adults, pregnant, or immunocompromised).
Monitor FDA and CDC updates at fda.gov and cdc.gov, as the investigation remains active and the recall scope may expand.

From a nutritional standpoint, the benefits of alfalfa sprouts, while real, do not outweigh the current documented risk. Microgreens, shredded cabbage, and other raw vegetables offer comparable nutritional value with a far lower contamination profile. Until this outbreak is officially closed and new safety protocols are confirmed at the source facility, the safest choice is to choose an alternative entirely.

FAQ

Q: Which company recalled alfalfa sprouts in August 2026? Everything Sprouts, LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota recalled alfalfa sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brand names on August 21, 2026, following a CDC and FDA investigation. [5]

Q: How many people got sick from the alfalfa sprout outbreak? As of August 21, 2026, 55 people in 15 U.S. states were infected. Four were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. [1][7]

Q: What strains of E. coli are in the recalled sprouts? Three Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strains: O26:H11, O103:H25, and O168:H8, along with Salmonella Agona. [4][7]

Q: How long does Salmonella illness last? Salmonella symptoms typically last 4-7 days. Most people recover without treatment, but severe cases, especially in high-risk individuals, may require hospitalization and antibiotics. [7][8]

Q: Can washing alfalfa sprouts make them safe to eat? No. Rinsing does not remove bacteria embedded in the sprout structure or on the seed coat. The FDA does not recommend washing as a safety measure for recalled products. [7]

Q: Are alfalfa sprouts from other brands safe right now? The recall specifically covers Calco and Everything Sprouts brands. However, people in high-risk groups should avoid all raw sprouts as a general precaution, consistent with longstanding CDC guidance. [7][8]

Q: What is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) and should I worry? HUS is a serious kidney complication that can follow STEC infection, most often in children under 5. Symptoms include decreased urination, extreme fatigue, and pale skin. Seek emergency care immediately if these develop. [7]

Q: Is this the same as the European sprout outbreak in 2026? No. A separate Salmonella Bovismorbificans outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouted seeds affected 109 people in 10 EU/EEA countries and the UK between January and May 2026. That event is distinct from the current U.S. outbreak. [11]

Q: Should I grow my own alfalfa sprouts to avoid the recall? Not during this active outbreak, and not if you are in a high-risk group. Home sprouting uses commercial seeds that can carry the same contamination. If you grow sprouts at home after the outbreak ends, follow strict sanitation protocols. [7][8]

Q: Where can I check for updates on the recall? Monitor the FDA’s outbreak investigation page (reference #1394) at fda.gov and the CDC’s outbreak investigation page at cdc.gov for the latest case counts, recall expansions, and investigation status. [2][4][7]