Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts - December 2022

Investigation notice

Investigation status: Closed
Recall issued: Yes

This outbreak investigation is over. Eating raw or undercooked sprouts may lead to food poisoning. Cook sprouts thoroughly to reduce your risk of illness.

Fast Facts

United States
  • Cases: 63
  • Hospitalizations: 10
  • Deaths: 0
  • States: 8

This outbreak investigation is over. Eating raw or undercooked sprouts may lead to food poisoning. Cook sprouts thoroughly to reduce your risk of illness.

Outbreak Investigation Summary

Data showed that alfalfa sprouts made people in this outbreak sick.

  • Of the 50 people interviewed, 35 (70%) reported eating alfalfa sprouts.
  • Eight of the people who got sick in this outbreak confirmed they had purchased Sun Sprouts brand alfalfa sprouts from their local grocery store.

On December 29, 2022, SunSprout Enterprises recalled four lots of raw alfalfa sprouts.

Front and back packaging of alfalfa sprouts in this outbreak
SunSprout Enterprises alfalfa sprouts

What you should do

Cook sprouts thoroughly to reduce your risk of illness.

Eating raw or undercooked sprouts may lead to food poisoning. That’s because the warm, humid conditions needed to grow sprouts are also ideal for germs to multiply.

It’s especially important to avoid raw sprouts if you are in a group more likely to get seriously sick from food poisoning: adults aged 65 and older, children younger than age 5, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant people.