Alfalfa Sprouting Seed Recall: One Illness Already Linked, Sold in Nearly Every State

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If you’ve grown your own alfalfa sprouts at home this year, it’s worth checking your pantry before you eat another batch.

Berlin Seeds, based in Millersburg, Ohio, is recalling its Alfalfa Sprouting Seed nationwide because it may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella.

Berlin Seeds alfalfa sprouting seed is recalled nationwide over possible E. coli and Salmonella.

What Was Recalled

The recall covers Berlin Seeds Alfalfa Sprouting Seed in five package sizes: 1/4 lb., 1/2 lb., 1 lb., 5 lb., and 50 lb.

The 5 lb. and 50 lb. bags carry lot code SAL2-24JB. Smaller package sizes don’t carry a lot code, so if you bought Berlin Seeds alfalfa sprouting seed in any size, it’s covered.

The seed was sold both in stores and online between February 13 and August 23, 2026, and reached nearly every state in the country.

Why It Matters

One illness has already been reported to the company in connection with this seed.

Sprouting seeds carry a higher risk than most other foods because sprouts grow in warm, humid conditions, which are ideal for bacteria to multiply, and they’re almost always eaten raw or lightly cooked. That combination means any contamination on the seed itself can turn into an active infection by the time the sprouts reach your plate.

Both STEC and Salmonella can cause diarrhea, cramping, and fever, and in more serious cases STEC infections can lead to a dangerous kidney complication, especially in young children and older adults.

Check any Berlin Seeds alfalfa sprouting seed in your pantry or garden shelf.

What to Do If You Have It

Stop using the seed immediately. Don’t sprout it, plant it, or eat any sprouts you’ve already grown from it.

Throw the seed away in a sealed bag, or return it to where you bought it. Clean and sanitize any surfaces, containers, or sprouting jars that touched the seed or the sprouts.

If you or anyone in your household has gotten sick after eating homegrown alfalfa sprouts, contact a healthcare provider.

For questions or to arrange a replacement, contact Berlin Seeds at 877-464-0892 or order@berlinseeds.life.

How to Verify This Recall

Read the FDA’s official notice on FDA.gov.

This recall follows a separate, larger multistate sprout outbreak we’ve been tracking. If you want the fuller picture, see our coverage of the Broccoli Sprouts Salmonella outbreak tied to Evergreen Fresh Sprouts.

FAQ

How do I know if my sprouting seed is affected?
If it’s Berlin Seeds brand Alfalfa Sprouting Seed in any package size, it’s covered by this recall. The 5 lb. and 50 lb. bags carry lot code SAL2-24JB.

Is it dangerous to eat sprouts I already grew?
Yes, don’t eat them. Throw away any sprouts grown from this seed along with the unused seed itself.

What if I already ate sprouts from this seed and feel fine?
You’re likely okay, but symptoms of E. coli or Salmonella can take a few days to appear. Watch for diarrhea, cramping, or fever and contact a doctor if they show up.

Is this connected to other sprout recalls I’ve seen this year?
It may be related to the broader sprout contamination issues seen this year, though this is a distinct recall notice for Berlin Seeds’ own seed supply.

What should I do with my sprouting jars and equipment?
Wash and sanitize anything that touched the recalled seed or sprouts grown from it before using it again.