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Preparedness Pulse — Issue 34

Sprouts Are Contaminated Again — Salmonella and E. coli in Three Brands

Multiple sprout producers have recalled products due to Salmonella and E. coli contamination, and frozen berries are also affected. This is the second major sprout outbreak in weeks—a reminder that ready-to-eat produce carries real risk.

Biological Threat

Salmonella outbreak linked to Evergreen Fresh Sprouts broccoli sprouts

The CDC and state health departments are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections tied to broccoli sprouts produced by Evergreen Fresh Sprouts. Cases span multiple states, and the outbreak is ongoing. Salmonella causes severe diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps; vulnerable populations—children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals—face serious risk of hospitalization.

If you purchased broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts in recent weeks, do not consume them. Check your refrigerator and discard any sprouts matching the brand. Wash your hands and any surfaces that may have contacted the product. If you develop fever, diarrhea, or abdominal pain within 1–3 weeks of eating the sprouts, seek medical attention and inform your doctor of the exposure.

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Foodborne illness outbreaks can spread rapidly through supply chains. Know how to identify contaminated foods and isolate during illness.

Biological Threat

E. coli and Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts

State health officials are investigating an outbreak of E. coli and Salmonella infections linked to alfalfa sprouts. The outbreak affects multiple states, and both pathogens are present in the recalled product. E. coli can cause severe bloody diarrhea and kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome), particularly in children and the elderly. Salmonella causes similar gastrointestinal illness but is less likely to cause systemic complications.

Do not eat alfalfa sprouts until the source is confirmed safe. Check your home for any purchased alfalfa sprouts and discard them. Wash any containers or utensils that contacted the product. Monitor for symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and bloody stools over the next 1–8 days. Seek medical care if symptoms develop, especially in children or vulnerable household members.

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MyPlann has a scenario for this

Foodborne illness outbreaks can spread rapidly through supply chains. Know how to identify contaminated foods and isolate during illness.

Biological Threat

E. coli O145 found in Great Value frozen organic triple berry blend

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. expanded a recall of frozen organic blueberries to include Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz) due to potential contamination with E. coli O145. The recall covers specific lots produced in July 2026. E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain that can cause severe diarrhea, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and kidney damage, particularly in young children and the elderly.

Check your freezer for Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend and note the lot number on the package. If you have a recalled lot, discard it or return it to the retailer. Do not cook or consume the product. Wash your hands and any surfaces that contacted the packaging. If anyone in your household consumed the product and develops diarrhea, abdominal pain, or bloody stools within 2–8 days, seek immediate medical attention.

🛡️
MyPlann has a scenario for this

Foodborne illness outbreaks can spread rapidly through supply chains. Know how to identify contaminated foods and isolate during illness.

Biological Threat

Everything Sprouts expands recall to include Robust Radish Sprout Mix

Everything Sprouts, LLC (Minneapolis, MN) expanded its voluntary recall of sprouts to include certain lots of Robust Radish Sprout Mix due to potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella. STEC and Salmonella both cause severe gastrointestinal illness; STEC carries particular risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome and kidney failure.

Check your home for Robust Radish Sprout Mix from Everything Sprouts. Note the lot number if you have the product, then discard it or return it to the retailer. Do not consume. Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly. Monitor for symptoms—diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and bloody stools—over the next 1–8 days. Seek medical care if symptoms develop.

🛡️
MyPlann has a scenario for this

Foodborne illness outbreaks can spread rapidly through supply chains. Know how to identify contaminated foods and isolate during illness.

Extreme Weather

Tropical Storm Fay in Atlantic, no systems expected to develop in next 7 days

Tropical Storm Fay is located several hundred miles southwest of the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean as of September 21, 2026. The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories but reports no tropical cyclone formation is expected in the North Atlantic, Caribbean, or Gulf of America during the next 7 days. This represents a quiet period in the Atlantic basin.

Households in Atlantic coastal regions and the Gulf Coast can continue normal hurricane preparedness routines. Use this lull to complete any deferred maintenance, top off fuel tanks, and verify emergency kit status. Watch the National Hurricane Center forecast updates if you live in hurricane-prone areas; conditions can change rapidly in late September and early October.

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Atlantic hurricane season peaks in September and October. Maintain readiness even during quiet periods.

Extreme Weather

Tropical Storms Odalys and Polo active in eastern Pacific near Mexico

The National Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Storm Odalys, located over 1,000 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, and Tropical Storm Polo, located a few hundred miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico. Both systems are active as of September 20–21, 2026. Polo was recently upgraded to tropical storm status. Mexico's Pacific coast and southwestern US regions should monitor the National Hurricane Center for updated forecasts and potential impacts.

Households in coastal California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and northern Mexico should monitor the National Hurricane Center forecast updates at least daily through the week. Tropical systems in the eastern Pacific can produce heavy rain and flooding inland; ensure drainage systems are clear and emergency supplies are accessible. If either system intensifies or tracks toward populated areas, state and local authorities will issue specific guidance.

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Eastern Pacific storms can bring heavy rain and flooding to inland western US. Monitor forecasts and prepare for rapid intensification.

Supply Chain

Global supertanker shortage drives up long-distance oil shipping costs

A shortage of supertankers (the largest crude oil transport vessels) is driving up the cost of moving oil long distances, making some international crude trades uneconomical as of September 2026. This supply constraint affects crude oil logistics globally and can increase refinery costs and ultimately fuel prices at the pump. The shortage reflects both high tanker utilization rates and limited new vessel construction.

Households dependent on fuel for vehicles, generators, and heating should monitor fuel prices over the next 1–2 months. If international crude shipping costs remain elevated, retail fuel prices may follow. Consider topping off fuel storage (where safe and legal) if prices are currently stable, and review your household fuel budget for potential increases. This is a supply-chain signal to watch but not an immediate emergency; act on price trends rather than speculation.

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Fuel supply disruptions ripple across transportation and heating. Monitor energy prices and maintain reasonable fuel reserves.

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