CDC Tracking 5 Active Food-Borne Outbreaks Tied to Oysters, Cheese, Sprouts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking 5 active multistate food-borne outbreaks caused by Salmonella and E coli, led by a new investigation of Salmonella infections linked to raw oysters. Together, the outbreaks involve 168 reported illnesses, with no deaths reported to date.^1-5

Recalls are in effect for oysters, raw milk cheese, alfalfa and radish sprouts, and broccoli sprouts. Clinicians may see overlapping presentations, so exposure history, stool culture, and reporting to local health departments remain central.^1-5

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Raw Oysters

CDC, FDA, and state officials reported 27 cases across 12 states, with 5 hospitalizations and no deaths. The agency linked the outbreak to raw oysters harvested by the Little Wicomico Oyster Company from the Little Wicomico River in Virginia.¹

On October 9, 2026, the company voluntarily recalled whole (shellstock) oysters harvested from September 18 through October 8, 2026, from the Little Wicomico River and Little Wicomico River Lower areas. The Virginia Department of Health temporarily closed the harvest area, and oysters from other Virginia growing areas are not part of the recall.¹

E Coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Cheese

CDC reported 13 cases in 9 states, with 8 hospitalizations, 3 of which involved hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Over half of the sick people are children aged 5 years and younger.²

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalled all Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheeses, including medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack, and Monterey jack, sold in 8-oz and 16-oz retail packages and 5-lb loaves for food service customers and wholesalers.²

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Broccoli Sprouts

CDC reported 32 cases (10 new) in 6 states (2 new), with 3 hospitalizations and no deaths. The agency traced the outbreak to broccoli sprouts produced by Evergreen Fresh Sprouts and said it does not appear related to the alfalfa sprout outbreak.³

E Coli and Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts

CDC reported 76 cases (21 new) in 16 states (1 new), with 6 hospitalizations (2 new) and no deaths. Three people were infected with both pathogens.⁴

Everything Sprouts, LLC recalled certain lots of alfalfa sprouts on August 22, 2026, and expanded the recall on August 28, 2026, to include certain lots of Robust Radish Sprout Mix because of cross-contamination risk.⁴

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Turtles

CDC reported 20 cases (12 new) in 12 states (6 new), with 5 hospitalizations (2 new) and no deaths. Half of the sick people are children younger than 5 years, and pet turtles of any size can carry Salmonella in their droppings.⁵

Clinical Guidance for Providers

Clinicians should obtain exposure histories including raw shellfish, raw milk products, sprouts, and reptile contact, and send stool cultures when enteric infection is suspected. Pediatric patients with bloody diarrhea after raw milk cheese exposure warrant monitoring for HUS.

Patients should be advised not to eat, sell, or serve recalled products and to wash surfaces touched by them.

References

1. Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Raw Oysters. CDC. October 19, 2026. Accessed October 23, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/oysters-10-26/index.html

2. E. coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Cheese. CDC. September 29, 2026. Accessed October 23, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/raw-milk-cheese-09-26/index.html

3. Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Broccoli Sprouts. CDC. September 24, 2026. Accessed October 23, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/broccoli-sprouts-09-26/index.html

4. E. coli and Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts. CDC. October 1, 2026. Accessed October 23, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/alfalfa-sprouts-08-26/index.html

5. Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Turtles. CDC. September 18, 2026. Accessed October 23, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/turtles-08-26/index.html