Epidemiological and microbiological investigations pointed to alfalfa sprouted seeds as the vehicle of infection. Evidence included links identified through patient interviews in multiple countries, detection of the outbreak strain in water used for sprouted seed production in the Netherlands and Northern Ireland, and epidemiological links to a producer in Finland.

Traceability investigations identified a common seed supplier, with implicated alfalfa seeds imported from India and distributed throughout Europe. Available evidence suggested the seeds were likely contaminated before entering the EU, prior to distribution and sprouting.

Authorities in affected countries have responded by withdrawing implicated seed batches, recalling sprouted seed products, and destroying suspected products. Since these measures were implemented, reported case numbers have declined. However, EFSA and ECDC said additional illnesses cannot be ruled out until the contamination source has been fully identified and controlled.

Because no new cases have been reported in June, EFSA and ECDC assessed the current risk for people who frequently consume sprouted seeds as low to moderate. The agencies encouraged public health and food safety authorities to continue investigating new cases and sharing data, while maintaining prevention and control measures.

The current alfalfa sprouts outbreak follows another multi-country European salmonellosis outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts that occurred between January 2023 and January 2025. A total of 509 people in ten countries were sickened in the previous outbreak, with three growers from the same growing region in Italy identified as the origin of the implicated sprout seeds.