Sprouted alfalfa seeds linked to 500 Salmonella illnesses

Over 500 people in Europe have fallen ill due to Salmonella outbreaks linked to sprouted alfalfa seeds from January 2023 to January 2025. Norway reported the highest cases, followed by Sweden and Finland. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control identified eight Salmonella strains involved, with the most cases from Salmonella Typhimurium. Investigations traced the contaminated seeds to a supplier in Italy, but new cases continue to emerge. Authorities have implemented control measures, including recalls, which have reduced notifications. However, some contaminated seeds may still be in circulation, prompting ongoing investigations into the contamination sources.