Popular garnish spreading E. coli and Salmonella, 1 person sick in WA
Aug 21, 2026, 2:16 PM
A close-up of alfalfa sprouts. (Photo courtesy of CDC)
(Photo courtesy of CDC)
A commonly used garnish has been linked to a nationwide outbreak of E. coli and Salmonella.
Alfalfa sprouts have sickened at least 55 people in the U.S., including one person in Washington, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Four people have been hospitalized, but there have been no reported deaths.
Minnesota and Wisconsin have been hit the hardest, with 17 to 21 people sick. The outbreak spans the Midwest and the East Coast, with Washington being the only exception.
CDC noted the true number of sick people is likely much higher, as many recover without medical care and aren’t tested for E. coli or Salmonella.
Anyone who bought alfalfa sprouts they believe to be infected is urged to throw them out or return them to the store for a refund.
A map of infected states can be seen on CDC’s website.
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Cyclospora outbreak slows down following lettuce recall
Meanwhile, a Cyclospora outbreak, known to cause explosive diarrhea, is mainly contained to the Midwest.
In the CDC’s update on Thursday, it shows that the hardest-hit states continue to be Michigan and Ohio.
Health officials have linked lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico to the illnesses, along with Taco Bell.
“Most of these illnesses began before the Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce recall on July 17, 2026,” CDC wrote. “The total case count associated with this multistate outbreak is now 10,930 illnesses reported from 17 states. Since the last update, no additional states have been added.”
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it “remains confident” all recalled lettuce related to the specific outbreak is off the market.
CDC has a map of infected states, along with a map showing which states the product was distributed in, on its website.
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