Active Outbreaks Tied to Sprouts, Cheese and Turtles

The CDC is investigating four active multistate outbreaks linked to food or animal contact, including two tied to sprouts, one to raw milk cheese, and one to pet turtles.^1-4 A Contagion tally of the most recent CDC figures totals 141 cases and 22 hospitalizations across the four investigations, with no deaths reported.

Salmonella is implicated in three investigations and E. coli in two, with the alfalfa sprout outbreak involving both pathogens.^1-4 Three people in the alfalfa sprout outbreak were infected with both organisms.¹

All four investigations carry an open status on their CDC pages. Product recalls have been issued in the alfalfa sprout, broccoli sprout, and raw milk cheese outbreaks, while the turtle outbreak involves no recalled product.^1-4 Clinicians evaluating patients with acute gastroenteritis should ask about sprout consumption, raw dairy exposure, and contact with pet reptiles.

Alfalfa Sprout Outbreak Reaches 76 Cases Across 16 States

In its October 1 update, CDC reported 76 cases of E. coli and Salmonella infection linked to alfalfa sprouts, an increase of 21 cases from the prior update.¹ The outbreak now spans 16 states, one more than previously reported, and includes 6 hospitalizations, 2 of them new. No deaths have been reported.

On August 22, 2026, Everything Sprouts, LLC recalled certain lots of alfalfa sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands at retailers and grocery stores.¹ On August 28, the company expanded the recall to include certain lots of Robust Radish Sprout Mix because of the risk of cross-contamination with recalled alfalfa sprouts.

The FDA traced the outbreak to an alfalfa sprout seed lot identified as SAL2-24JB.¹ The seed supplier issued a recall, and a second seed supplier also recalled the lot. CDC advises consumers to throw away or return recalled sprouts, and advises businesses not to sell or serve recalled sprouts or use recalled sprouting seeds.

Broccoli Sprout Salmonella Outbreak Grows to 32 Cases in 6 States

CDC reported 32 cases of Salmonella infection linked to broccoli sprouts produced by Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC in its September 24 update, 10 more than previously reported.² Cases span 6 states, including 2 new states, and 3 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

The recalled sprouts were sold to food co-ops, restaurants, food service customers, and grocery stores in Idaho, Montana, and Washington.² Products were sold in plastic bags or clamshell containers with expiration dates of 9/7, 9/9, 9/11, 9/14, and 9/16. CDC noted the product may have been distributed further, reaching additional states.

CDC said this outbreak does not appear to be related to the recent multistate Salmonella and E coli outbreak traced to alfalfa sprouts.² The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Washington State Department of Health have each posted state-level information on the outbreak.

E coli Outbreak Tied to Recalled Raw Milk Cheese Affects Young Children

CDC, the FDA, and state health officials are investigating 13 E coli infections in 9 states linked to Graziers raw milk cheeses sold by Sierra Nevada Cheese Company.³ Eight patients have been hospitalized, including 3 who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and no deaths have been reported. Over half of the patients are children 5 years old and younger.

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalled all Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheeses, including medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack, and Monterey jack.³ Retail products were sold in 8-oz or 16-oz packages, and food service customers or wholesalers received 5-lb loaves. The products have a long shelf life, so CDC urges consumers to check their homes for recalled cheese.

The FDA's investigation page identifies the strain as E. coli O26:H11.³ CDC recommends pasteurized milk and dairy products, especially for children younger than 5 years, who are more likely to develop severe foodborne illness.

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pet Turtles Spans 12 States

In its September 18 update, CDC reported 20 Salmonella cases linked to contact with pet turtles, 12 more than previously reported.⁴ Cases have been identified in 12 states, 6 of them new, and 5 patients have been hospitalized. Half of the patients are children younger than 5 years.

CDC noted turtles with shells shorter than 4 inches are a known source of illness, and a federal law bans their sale and distribution as pets.⁴ The agency said these turtles are still sometimes sold illegally online, at stores, flea markets, and roadside stands. Pet turtles of any size can carry Salmonella in their droppings even when they appear healthy.

CDC does not recommend pet turtles for children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, or people with weakened immune systems.⁴ Owners are advised to wash hands after touching a turtle or its environment, avoid kissing or snuggling turtles, and keep turtle equipment out of kitchens and food areas.

Clinical Guidance for Providers Evaluating Suspected Cases

CDC advises patients to call a health care provider right away for diarrhea with a fever higher than 102°F, diarrhea lasting more than 2 days without improvement, bloody diarrhea, or vomiting severe enough to prevent keeping liquids down.^1-4 Signs of dehydration include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness on standing.

Salmonella symptoms typically begin 6 hours to 6 days after exposure, and most patients recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days.^1,2,4 Children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems may develop more severe illness requiring treatment or hospitalization.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection typically causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting, with symptoms starting 3 to 4 days after exposure in the alfalfa sprout outbreak.^1,3 Some patients develop HUS, a serious kidney complication requiring hospitalization, as occurred in 3 patients in the raw milk cheese outbreak.³

Frequently Asked Questions

Which food-borne outbreaks is CDC investigating?

CDC is investigating outbreaks linked to alfalfa sprouts (E. coli and Salmonella), broccoli sprouts (Salmonella), raw milk cheese (E. coli), and pet turtles (Salmonella). All four investigations are open.

What should patients do with recalled sprouts or cheese?

CDC advises throwing away or returning recalled products and washing surfaces and items they touched with hot soapy water or a dishwasher. Businesses should not sell or serve recalled products.

When should patients with gastroenteritis seek care?

CDC advises calling a provider right away for diarrhea with fever above 102°F, diarrhea lasting more than 2 days, bloody diarrhea, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration.

References

1. E. coli and Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts. CDC. Updated October 1, 2026. Accessed October 9, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/alfalfa-sprouts-08-26/index.html

2. Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Broccoli Sprouts. CDC. Updated September 24, 2026. Accessed October 9, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/broccoli-sprouts-09-26/index.html

3. E. coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Cheese. CDC. Updated September 25, 2026. Accessed October 9, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/raw-milk-cheese-09-26/index.html

4. Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Turtles. CDC. Updated September 18, 2026. Accessed October 9, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/turtles-08-26/index.html