Product Recall Notice: Alfalfa Sprouting Seeds
Company Announcement Date: September 23, 2026
FDA Publish Date: September 23, 2026
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Issue: Potential Contamination with Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and/or Salmonella
Company: Berlin Seeds
Brand: Berlin Seeds
Product Description: Alfalfa Sprouting Seeds
Company Announcement:
Berlin Seeds, based in Millersburg, OH, is issuing a recall for 950 lbs of Alfalfa Sprouting Seeds due to potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and/or Salmonella. These pathogens pose significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Health Risks:
Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC):
STEC are bacteria that can lead to severe and sometimes fatal infections. Notable strains include E. coli O26:H11, E. coli O103:H25, and E. coli O168:H8. Ingesting these bacteria can result in acute diarrheal illness, often characterized by bloody diarrhea, within a few days. While most individuals recover within a week, some, especially children under 5, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a serious condition marked by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure.
Salmonella:
Nontyphoidal Salmonella infection commonly causes gastroenteritis, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps appearing 6-72 hours after consuming contaminated food or water. While typically self-limiting in healthy individuals, severe illness can occur in neonates, infants, adults over 65, and those with Individuals with compromised immune systems or those undergoing immunosuppressive treatments may face heightened risks. In these uncommon cases, a Salmonella infection can lead to the bacteria entering the bloodstream, potentially causing more severe conditions such as arterial infections (e.g., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and septic arthritis.
The recalled product was distributed by Berlin Seeds at their retail location in Millersburg, OH, and via their company website from February 13, 2026, to August 23, 2026. It reached customers in the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, and WY.
The Berlin Seeds branded Alfalfa Sprouting Seed is available under the Berlin Seeds label in various sizes: 1/4 lb., 1/2 lb., 1 lb., 5 lb., and 50 lb. The 1/4 lb., 1/2 lb., 1 lb., and 5 lb. sizes are packaged in resealable bags, whereas the 50 lb. size is contained in a non-resealable poly woven bag. The 5 lb. and 50 lb. packages are marked with the lot code SAL2-24JB, located at the bottom right-hand corner of the label. The 1/4 lb., 1/2 lb., and 1 lb. packages do not display a lot code.
Consumers who suspect they have purchased the affected Alfalfa Sprouting Seed are advised to cease its use immediately. It is imperative not to sprout, plant, or distribute the seed. Any sprouts already cultivated from this seed should not be consumed and must be discarded. Dispose of the seed by placing it in a sealed bag and throwing it in the trash. Additionally, thoroughly clean and sanitize any jars, trays, sprouters, or surfaces that may have come into contact with the seed or sprouts. If consumers have ingested the recalled product and are experiencing symptoms of illness, they should promptly consult their healthcare provider.
For inquiries related to this recall or to arrange a replacement, customers are encouraged to contact Berlin Seeds at 877-464-0892. Our customer service team is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. Alternatively, you may reach us via email at order@berlinseeds.life. Please note that email inquiries will be addressed during the same business hours.
This recall is being conducted in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Company Contact Information:
Consumers:
Phone: 877-464-0892
Email: order@berlinseeds.life
Resources:
Office of Inspections and Investigations. (2026, September 23). Berlin Seeds Recalls Alfalfa Sprouting Seed Because of Possible Health Risk. U.S. Food and Drug Administration; FDA. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/berlin-seeds-recalls-alfalfa-sprouting-seed-because-possible-health-risk
News Desk. (2026, September 24). Sprouting seeds recalled because of link to outbreak. Food Safety News. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2026/09/sprouting-seeds-recalled-because-of-link-to-outbreak/
