Minneapolis sprouts distributor linked to salmonella, E. coli outbreak in 15 states

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A sprouts distributor in south Minneapolis is at the center of a growing salmonella and E. coli outbreak that has now sickened dozens nationwide.

Outbreak linked to Minneapolis distributor

What we know:

According to the Food and Drug Administration, 55 people across 15 states have been infected with salmonella or E. coli after eating contaminated sprouts. Four people have been hospitalized. Those who were infected became ill between May and August.

Investigators traced the outbreak back to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts in Minneapolis. The FDA is now urging people to avoid eating alfalfa sprouts sold under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brands.

What they're saying:

Autumn Stoll, a food safety expert with the University of Minnesota, said sprouts are already a high-risk food because of how they are grown.

"They're basically just in water, and if that water happens to be contaminated, that produce is immediately contaminated with whatever is in that water," she said. "Salmonella and E. coli – they typically come from animal feces or other – usually through slaughter. It depends. So, if somehow that water is contaminated, yes, it’s highly likely. Or it’s just a sign of other factors that aren’t being looked at in the facility."

FDA warned distributor about "serious violations"

The backstory:

In March 2025, the FDA sent Everything Sprouts a warning letter after inspectors found what they described as "serious violations" of food safety standards during visits to the Minnehaha Avenue facility.

In that warning letter, the agency wrote: "Our investigator observed the roof leaking through the ceiling tiles.... water from the leak was observed dripping onto the totes of cooled, exposed mung bean sprouts...."

The letter also noted: "You did not clean and sanitize food contact surfaces that you use to grow, harvest, pack or hold sprouts...."

The company told inspectors it would plug gaps and make repairs, but the agency characterized those as "incomplete repairs" that could make sanitizing surfaces "increasingly difficult."

The other side:

Everything Sprouts could not be reached for comment.

The Source: This story uses information gathered by FOX 9 reporter Mike Manzoni.