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.
Seed Lot SAL2-24JB Keeps Reaching New Kitchens
According to the CDC, 64 people had one of three Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strains, nine had Salmonella Agona, and three had both. Six of 68 patients with available information were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, and the CDC's update does not list any cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney complication.
Patients range in age from 12 to 94, with a median age of 37. Of 50 people interviewed, 40 (80%) reported eating sprouts in the week before getting sick, compared with 8.7% of healthy people in a survey who reported eating sprouts in the week before they were interviewed.
The FDA's outbreak investigation page lists cases in Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin.
"Epidemiologic and traceback data show that recalled alfalfa seed lot SAL2-24JB may be contaminated with multiple pathogens and may be making people sick," the CDC said. The agency added that it "advises people and businesses not eat, sell, or serve affected alfalfa sprouts or sprouting seeds."
The seed supplier at the center of the outbreak agreed in mid-September to recall the lot after initially not responding to the FDA's recall recommendation. The supplier also notified Berlin Seeds that the lot had been identified through traceback. The FDA's Oct. 1 update says sprouts grown from the recalled seed have been recalled and should no longer be available for sale, but seed already in home cupboards can remain a risk.
From Sandwich Counters to Mason Jars
MedicalDaily previously reported that Berlin Seeds of Ohio recalled alfalfa sprouting seed sold to home growers in 44 states, when the outbreak stood at 55 illnesses in 15 states. Since then, another seller has acted. Todd's Seeds LLC of Cookeville, Tennessee, is recalling 37,481 units of alfalfa and mixed sprouting seed products sold on Amazon and directly to consumers, Food Safety News reported, because "the products contain alfalfa seed recalled by the supplier."
The recalled Todd's products include its Alfalfa Sprouting Seeds, several seed mixes, an Alfalfa & Mung Bundle and a Variety Pack, all with Dec. 31, 2029, expiration dates. That long shelf life is one reason seed recalls are tricky: a bag bought in spring can sit in a cupboard for years.
A separate recall announced the same week should not be confused with this outbreak. EAK Distribution LLC of Casper, Wyoming, recalled HOME GROWN Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds (8 oz, lot AUG172026) sold on Amazon from Aug. 20 to Sept. 18 after FDA testing found Salmonella in a seed sample. The notice says the seed went to a sprout grower in an FDA outbreak investigation but does not name which one, and no illnesses have been tied to the broccoli seeds. Neither alfalfa outbreak page lists that recall.
The timeline is short but steep. Everything Sprouts of Minneapolis recalled its alfalfa products on Aug. 22 and expanded the recall Aug. 28. Berlin Seeds followed Sept. 23. The Todd's Seeds and EAK recalls surfaced Oct. 2, one day after the CDC's latest count.
Warm, Wet Growing Conditions Give Bacteria a Head Start
Sprouts carry a risk that most vegetables do not, and it starts with the seed. "Sprouts are grown from seeds and beans under warm and humid conditions," the FDA explains. "If just a few harmful bacteria are present in or on the seed, the bacteria can grow to high levels during sprouting, even if you are growing your own sprouts under sanitary conditions at home."
That is why rinsing does not solve the problem. Between 1996 and 2020, the FDA counted 52 outbreaks linked to sprouts that sickened more than 2,700 people, and in 2022 guidance on seeds used for sprouting, the agency said seed "has historically been, and continues to be, identified as the likely source of contamination in many of these outbreaks."That guidance is voluntary.
The CDC says children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to get seriously ill from E. coli. The FDA advises children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system to avoid raw or lightly cooked sprouts of any kind.
E. coli symptoms typically begin three to four days after exposure and include severe stomach cramps, often bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within six hours to six days. In a child recovering from diarrhea, parents should watch for HUS warning signs, such as peeing much less, unusual tiredness, or losing pink color in the cheeks and inside the lower eyelids. The CDC calls HUS a medical emergency.
Check sprouting seed bought this year against the lot numbers posted by the FDA and the recalling companies, and throw out or return matches. Wash jars, trays, and counters with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher. Anyone with bloody diarrhea, high fever, or signs of dehydration should contact a clinician. Recalled seed bought online can usually be refunded through the seller.
Recent illnesses may not yet be counted, so the total could rise. For most families, the fix is simple: check the seeds, skip raw sprouts for high-risk relatives and watch for warning signs.
Key Questions Answered
How many people are sick in the alfalfa sprout outbreak?
As of the CDC's Oct. 1 update, 76 people in 16 states have been infected with E. coli, Salmonella, or both. Six were hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
Which seed lot is linked to the illnesses?
Federal investigators traced illnesses to alfalfa seed lot SAL2-24JB from a single common supplier, which has agreed to recall it. Berlin Seeds recalled seed from the lot, and Todd's Seeds has recalled products made with alfalfa seed recalled by the supplier.
Is the EAK Distribution broccoli seed recall part of this outbreak?
It has not been linked to it. The EAK recall involves Salmonella found in broccoli sprouting seed, and the FDA notice says no illnesses have been reported from that product. The alfalfa outbreak pages do not list it.
Who should avoid raw sprouts?
The FDA advises children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system to avoid raw or lightly cooked sprouts of any kind.
What are the warning signs of a serious E. coli complication?
Hemolytic uremic syndrome can follow E. coli illness, especially in young children. Peeing much less, unusual tiredness, and loss of pink color in the cheeks or lower eyelids are warning signs of a medical emergency.
What should home sprouters do with leftover seed?
Compare any seed bought this year with the posted lot numbers and recalled product names. Throw out or return matches, and clean jars, trays, and surfaces with hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
Published by Medicaldaily.com
