ENVIRONMENT

Multi-State Food Poisoning Outbreak Sparks Urgent CDC Alert

PUBLISHED Aug 21, 2026, 8:10 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 16

Center 81%

Right 19%

Sources: 16

U.S. health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella linked to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts LLC in Minneapolis. The CDC and FDA said Friday, August 21, that 55 illnesses had been reported across 15 states, including 46 E. coli infections, seven Salmonella infections and two people infected with both. Four people have been hospitalized and no deaths reported. Illnesses began from May 31 through August 8. Of 34 patients interviewed, 26 reported eating alfalfa sprouts. Traceback evidence from restaurants and grocery stores identified Everything Sprouts products, sold under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands, as a source. FDA began inspection and sampling August 19 and recommended a recall. The agency advised consumers, retailers and food-service businesses not to eat, sell or serve the sprouts. The investigation remains ongoing, including efforts to determine contamination sources and distribution. Officials are coordinating updates as testing continues.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On October 30, 2024, FDA began inspecting Everything Sprouts facility.
On March 28, 2025, FDA issued Everything Sprouts a warning.
On May 31, 2026, reported illnesses began among outbreak patients.
On August 8, 2026, the latest reported illness onset occurred.
On August 19, 2026, FDA began inspection and sample collection.
On August 20, 2026, Wisconsin confirmed seventeen outbreak-associated illnesses statewide.
On August 21, 2026, CDC reported fifty-five illnesses across fifteen states.
On August 21, 2026, FDA advised avoiding affected alfalfa sprouts.
Over coming days, investigators may identify additional illnesses through reporting.
Over coming weeks, regulators may expand distribution tracing and sampling.
Over coming months, agencies may determine contamination sources and corrective actions.
Longer term, regulators may strengthen oversight of sprout production practices.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Immediate impact includes warnings, disposal, retailer checks, and investigations nationwide.
Possible long-term US impact: Long-term impact could include tighter oversight, recalls, and supplier scrutiny.
Most affected groups: Most affected are consumers, restaurants, retailers, patients, and health agencies.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize CDC, FDA, and state health department updates.