FDA Investigates Multistate Salmonella and E. coli Outbreaks Linked to Sprouts

The FDA is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli linked to sprouts, with 22 cases across multiple states. Evergreen Fresh Sprouts and Berlin Seeds both issued recalls in August-September 2026.

Recall actions

• ▪Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC recalled 215 cases of broccoli sprouts due to potential Salmonella contamination on September 10, 2026
• ▪Everything Sprouts LLC recalled alfalfa sprouts, crunchy protein sprout mix, and robust radish sprout mix in August 2026
• ▪Berlin Seeds recalled alfalfa sprouting seeds on September 23, 2026 after potential contamination with STEC and Salmonella

Debatable claims

• ▪Sprout safety regulations are insufficient to prevent recurrent foodborne illness outbreaks
• ▪The FDA's outbreak response is fast enough to prevent widespread illness from contaminated sprouts

Outbreak investigation

• ▪The FDA investigation traced the contamination to alfalfa seed lot SAL2-24JB sold to sprout growers and wholesale distributors
• ▪The multistate Salmonella Bovismorbificans outbreak includes 22 cases as of September 9, 2026