(Photo by Tara Chand Malhotra)
Berlin Seeds is recalling 950 pounds of alfalfa sprouting seed that may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced.
Dig deeper:
The recalled seed was sold at Berlin Seeds’ retail store in Millersburg, Ohio, and through the company’s website between Feb. 13 and Aug. 23, 2026.
It was shipped to customers in 42 states, including California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington.
The seeds were sold under the Berlin Seeds brand in quarter-pound, half-pound, 1-pound, 5-pound and 50-pound packages.
RELATED: Chrysler recalls nearly 240K Ram 1500 trucks for rearview camera problem
The 5-pound and 50-pound packages have lot code SAL2-24JB on the bottom right corner of the label. The smaller packages do not have a lot code.
This browser does not support the Video element.
CDC: E. coli, Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts
CDC and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli and Salmonella infections linked to alfalfa sprouts.
Why you should care:
One illness has been reported directly to Berlin Seeds in connection with the recalled product, according to the company.
The recall was initiated after a supplier notified Berlin Seeds that the seeds had been traced to a sprout grower whose finished sprouts were part of an FDA investigation into a multistate outbreak involving several strains of E. coli and Salmonella Agona. The supplier also reported that a sample of spent irrigation water from one alfalfa seed lot tested positive for E. coli.
RELATED: Rivian recalling nearly 100K vehicles over rearview camera problem
The FDA said Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause severe diarrhea, often with blood, and may lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. Salmonella can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, and may result in more serious illness in infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
What you can do:
Consumers should stop using the recalled seed immediately. They should not sprout it, plant it, give it away or eat sprouts grown from it. The seed should be thrown away in a sealed bag. Any jars, trays, sprouters or surfaces that came into contact with the seed or sprouts should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
Anyone who consumed the recalled product and feels ill should contact a health care provider.
No other Berlin Seeds sprouting seeds are included in the recall.
Consumers seeking more information or a replacement can contact Berlin Seeds at 877-464-0892 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, or email orders@berlinseeds.life.
The Source: The information came from a Sept. 23 recall notice published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which posted Berlin Seeds’ company announcement as a public service. This story was reported from Los Angeles.