An alfalfa sprouts outbreak linked to E. coli and salmonella has sickened residents in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Health officials are warning consumers not to eat Calco or Everything Sprouts alfalfa sprouts while state and federal agencies investigate the contamination.
Health officials warn against alfalfa sprouts
Health officials in Minnesota and Wisconsin are warning consumers not to eat alfalfa sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands as they investigate a multistate outbreak involving Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, and salmonella.
Minnesota officials said on August 20, 2026, that 23 residents became ill between July 8, 2026, and August 8, 2026. Two were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Wisconsin's Department of Health Services separately reported 17 illnesses and one hospitalization on August 20. Minnesota's release cited 18 Wisconsin cases, meaning the two state tallies were not fully aligned.
Calco and Everything Sprouts products linked
Investigators have linked the illnesses to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota grower, and sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands. The sprouts were distributed to restaurants and grocery stores.
Officials are advising consumers who have the implicated sprouts at home to throw them away and not eat them. Minnesota and Wisconsin agencies are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration and other states to determine the source and scope of the contamination.
E. coli and salmonella symptoms
STEC infection can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Symptoms typically begin two to five days after exposure. In severe cases, STEC can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, a complication involving acute kidney failure and other serious health problems.
Salmonella commonly causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Wisconsin officials said symptoms generally begin six hours to six days after exposure.
Investigation remains ongoing
Health agencies continue tracing the affected sprouts and identifying illnesses in other states. Wisconsin officials said the investigation remains active, while Minnesota warned that the number of identified illnesses could increase as the investigation progresses.
Consumers who ate the implicated sprouts and develop severe symptoms should contact a health care provider. Officials have not yet declared the investigation complete, making updated state and federal guidance important as additional cases or product information emerge.
