Seventy-six people in 16 states have now been sickened by E. coli, Salmonella, or both after eating alfalfa sprouts traced to a single contaminated seed lot, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Oct. 1. That is 21 more illnesses, two more hospitalizations, and one more state than federal officials announced on Aug. 21.
The new count arrives as recalls reach home kitchens. Seed from the implicated lot, SAL2-24JB, was sold to people who grow sprouts in jars and trays, so the risk is no longer limited to restaurant sandwiches and grocery clamshells. Illnesses began between May 31 and Sept. 7.
