Berlin Seeds has recalled 950lb of alfalfa sprouting seed over concerns it may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella.
The seed was sold at the company’s retail shop in Millersburg, Ohio, and through its website between 13 February and 23 August 2026. It was shipped to customers in 42 US states, including California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington.
The recall affects Berlin Seeds-branded packets sold in quarter-pound, half-pound, one-pound, five-pound and 50-pound sizes. The five-pound and 50-pound bags carry lot code SAL2-24JB in the bottom right-hand corner of the label, while the smaller packets do not have a lot code.
The US Food and Drug Administration said the recall followed notification from a seed supplier. The seeds had been traced to a sprout grower whose finished alfalfa sprouts were involved in an investigation into a multi-state outbreak of several strains of E. coli and Salmonella Agona.
The supplier also reported that a sample of spent irrigation water from one alfalfa seed lot had tested positive for E. coli. One illness has so far been reported directly to Berlin Seeds in connection with the recalled product.
Federal and state authorities are investigating the wider outbreak. The FDA has said 55 people across 15 states have been infected with outbreak strains, including 46 cases of E. coli, seven of Salmonella and two involving both infections. Four people have been hospitalised and no deaths have been reported.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause severe diarrhoea, which may contain blood, and in serious cases can lead to haemolytic uraemic syndrome, a condition that can cause kidney failure. Salmonella may cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, with infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems at greater risk of serious illness.
Consumers who may have bought the affected Berlin Seeds alfalfa seed should stop using it immediately. The seed should not be sprouted, planted or given away, and any sprouts already grown from it should not be eaten.
The FDA advises throwing the seed away in a sealed bag and thoroughly cleaning and sanitising jars, trays, sprouters and any other surfaces that may have come into contact with the seed or sprouts. Anyone who has consumed the product and feels unwell should contact a healthcare provider.
No other Berlin Seeds sprouting seeds are included in the recall. Customers seeking information or a replacement can contact the company on 877-464-0892 between 8am and 4pm Eastern time, Monday to Friday, or email order@berlinseeds.life.
