Berlin Seeds Recalls 950 Pounds of Alfalfa Seed Linked to E. Coli and Salmonella Investigation

Berlin Seeds of Millersburg, Ohio is recalling 950 pounds of alfalfa sprouting seed because the product may be contaminated with Shiga toxin producing E. coli and Salmonella.

The recalled seed was sold at the company's Ohio store and through its website from February 13 through August 23, reaching customers across dozens of U.S. states.

Packages include quarter pound, half pound, one pound, five pound and 50 pound sizes. The five and 50 pound packages carry lot code SAL2-24JB, while the smaller packages do not carry a lot code but are still included.

The recall followed traceback linking the seed to sprouts involved in an FDA multistate outbreak investigation involving several STEC serotypes and Salmonella Agona. The supplier also reported an irrigation water sample from one seed lot had tested positive for E. coli.

One illness had been reported directly to Berlin Seeds when the announcement was published. Consumers are advised not to sprout, plant, eat or give away affected seed.

The case shows why sprouting seed can become a food safety issue before germination, because warm and humid sprouting conditions can amplify bacteria already present on seed.