Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts kills two in Finland

Two people in Finland have died within a month of contracting Salmonella bovismorbificans linked to contaminated alfalfa sprouts, according to Finland’s public broadcaster Yle.

At least 109 cases were reported across Europe in spring 2026, with ten people in Finland requiring hospital treatment. The sprouts, sold by Lounasitu Oy, were withdrawn from sale in late May after salmonella was suspected.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) traced the outbreak to alfalfa seeds likely originating from India, despite being sold to the Finnish company as Italian. Lounasitu Oy CEO Pirkka Rauvola stated the company was misled about the seeds’ origin and has since covered medical costs for those affected.

Finnish authorities are investigating the supply chain. The Finnish Food Authority recommends heating sprouts before consumption to reduce risk. Professor Johanna Björkroth of the University of Helsinki noted that raw sprouts, often used in salads and sandwiches, pose a known salmonella risk, particularly in warm conditions.

Lounasitu Oy has begun test-growing a new batch of alfalfa sprouts using seeds from the same supplier, aiming for a possible return to shelves in August if approved by Finnish authorities. The company sells around 35,000 kilograms of alfalfa sprouts annually.