WA among 15 states hit by alfalfa sprout recall over E. coli, Salmonella

Alfalfa sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts were recalled on Saturday due to E. coli and Salmonella contamination across 15 states, including Washington.

The recalled sprouts were distributed from May 27 to Aug. 21 to wholesale distributors and grocery stores, which have caused 55 illnesses and four hospitalizations, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced.

The alfalfa sprouts were sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands, packaged in five-ounce plastic containers with lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226, and 230.

The alfalfa sprouts were also used in Everything Sprouts Crunch Protein Sprout Mix five-ounce cups, with lot numbers 222, 223, 226, 230, and the Zesty Garlic Mix cups with lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226, and 230.

Consumers urged to discard sprouts, sanitize any surfaces they may have touched

The FDA advised people not to eat, sell, or serve the recalled alfalfa sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands. Consumers, restaurants, retailers, and foodservice customers who purchased the recalled products should carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that they touched.

Based on epidemiological information collected by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state partners, a total of 55 people were infected with multiple strains of E. coli, and one strain of Salmonella has been reported from 15 states.

The FDA noted that 46 people were infected with E. coli, seven people with Salmonella, and two people with both Salmonella and E. coli.

The illnesses began between May 31 and Aug. 8. State and local public health officials have been interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before their illnesses. Of the 34 people interviewed, 26 reported eating alfalfa sprouts.

The complete list of impacted states includes: Washington, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

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