A seed supplier connected to an ongoing E. coli and Salmonella outbreak associated with alfalfa sprouts has agreed to recall the seed lot supplied to sprout growers, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA announced the recall on September 15 but has not identified the seed supplier or provided details such as lot numbers for the affected seeds.

Outbreak Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts

The investigation has identified Everything Sprouts LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota, as one source of illnesses in the outbreak. The company grows alfalfa sprouts that have been linked to infections with both E. coli and Salmonella.

As of the latest investigation:

• 55 people in 15 U.S. states have been identified as infected.
• 46 people were infected with E. coli.
• 7 people were infected with Salmonella.
• 2 people were infected with both pathogens.
• 4 people required hospitalization.
• No deaths have been reported.

Illnesses began between May 31 and August 8, 2026. Additional cases may still be identified because some people do not seek medical care or are not tested specifically for Salmonella or E. coli.

Seed Distributed in Multiple Countries

The seed lot under investigation was supplied to Everything Sprouts LLC and was also sold directly to other sprout growers and wholesale distributors.

The seeds were distributed in Puerto Rico and the United States, and were also shipped internationally to Canada, Mexico, Tahiti, and Venezuela.

The FDA’s traceback investigation identified at least one additional sprout grower that received and used the same lot of alfalfa sprout seeds from the common supplier. The agency has not identified this grower.

Evidence Points to Common Food Source

Health officials found that 26 of 34 interviewed patients reported eating alfalfa sprouts before becoming ill.

Whole genome sequencing showed that bacteria isolated from patients were closely related genetically, supporting the conclusion that illnesses were caused by exposure to a common food source.

However, the FDA stated that while alfalfa sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts LLC are one source of illnesses, they do not account for all cases in the outbreak.

Previous Recall by Everything Sprouts

Everything Sprouts LLC recalled three sprout products in August in connection with the investigation. Those products have passed their expiration dates and should no longer be available for sale.

Consumers and businesses should avoid any recalled sprout products and follow official recall instructions. Sprouts can support the growth of harmful bacteria, and contaminated sprouts may cause serious foodborne illness, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Source: US FDA