A nationwide sprouts recall has been upgraded to the FDA‘s highest risk level after the products sickened 55 people and hospitalized four.
Last month, Minnesota-based Everything Sprouts recalled 2,200 pounds of its alfalfa sprouts over fears they could be contaminated with salmonella and E.coli, two potentially deadly bacteria.
Six days later, the company also recalled 300 pounds of its Robust Radish Sprout Mix over the same concerns.
Now, the FDA has classified both recalls as Class I, its most serious category, reserved for ‘a situation in which there is 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 linked to one of the recalls have been reported across the Midwest, South and Northeast, with nearly two-thirds of cases in Minnesota and Wisconsin. No deaths have been reported.
All the illnesses and hospitalizations have been linked to the alfalfa sprouts. The radish mix was also recalled, however, owing to fears of cross-contamination, which can happen when both products are prepared using the same machinery, which can become contaminated with bacteria and spread it.
Recalled sprouts were sold at grocery stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin. They were also sent to wholesale distribution centers, which shipped them around the country.
Health officials have urged anyone who bought the recalled sprouts not to eat them but to throw them away or return them to stores for a full refund.
A sprouts recall linked to salmonella and E. coli bacteria has been expanded (stock image)
People are also urged to wash any items or surfaces that may have touched the recalled alfalfa sprouts using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Anyone who experiences symptoms after eating the sprouts – including a temperature above 102F or diarrhea that does not improve for two days – is urged to contact their primary care physician immediately.
The strain of E. coli linked to this recall produces Shiga toxins that harm the gut lining, causing severe stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting.
It can also infect blood vessels in the kidneys, causing the potentially fatal condition hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
For salmonella, the bacteria can spread into the bloodstream and cause the life-threatening complication sepsis, where the immune system overreacts to an infection.
Healthy adults should recover from infections within a week. But children under five years old, older adults and those who are immunocompromised are at higher risk of a severe infection or complications.
In its first recall notice, on August 22, the company issued an alert for three products: Everything Sprouts Alfalfa Sprouts, Everything Sprouts Zesty Garlic Mix and Everything Sprouts Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix.
On August 28, the recall was expanded to include an additional product, Everything Sprouts Robust Radish Mix, over fears of cross-contamination.
The above shows the Everything Sprouts alfalfa sprouts that have been recalled
The above shows the Everything Sprouts robust radish mix that have also been recalled
The FDA has now issued a classification of the risk posed by the recalled products. This applies to all of the products that have been recalled.
The sprouts were sold in 5oz plastic containers or cups that had the Everything Sprouts logo on the front, which shows a sprouting seed with two leaves.
The alfalfa sprouts had the barcodes 860014523113, 860014523120 and 850079470149, and the robust radish sprout mix had the barcode 087906000075. The products also had the lot codes 222 to 233, printed near the barcode.
The alfalfa sprouts were on shelves from May 27 to August 21, while the robust radish mix was on shelves from August 13 to 26.
Illnesses have been recorded in the following states: Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin.
All the illnesses have been linked to the alfalfa sprouts to date. None have been linked to the robust radish mix, although this was also recalled as a precaution.
It was not clear what caused the illnesses, but plants can become contaminated with the bacteria if they are irrigated with water contaminated with animal feces.
A contaminated plant can also spread bacteria to machinery, which then spreads it to other plants. This is why the radishes have also been recalled.
The above shows the states that have reported cases linked to the alfalfa sprouts
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 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.
While most cases resolve with supportive care, primarily hydration and rest, doctors can also use antibiotics to help clear infections.
Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness in the US, triggering about 1.35 million infections, 23,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths every year.
E.coli triggers about 70,000 infections every year, 2,100 hospitalizations and 61 deaths.
