Berlin Seeds, an Ohio-based seed company, is recalling approximately 950 pounds of alfalfa seeds intended for sprouting after the products were linked to potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella. The recalled seeds were distributed to customers in 44 states, and the company said one illness had been reported directly to it in connection with the product.

The seeds were sold at Berlin Seeds’ Millersburg retail store and through the company’s website between Feb. 13 and Aug. 23. Online orders were shipped to customers across 44 states. The products were packaged under the Berlin Seeds label in quarter-pound, half-pound, 1-pound, 5-pound and 50-pound sizes, with the smaller packages sold in resealable bags and the 50-pound product packaged in a woven plastic bag.

The 5-pound and 50-pound packages carry lot code SAL2-24JB on the lower-right corner of the label, while the quarter-pound, half-pound and 1-pound packages do not have a lot code. Berlin Seeds initiated the recall after its supplier determined that the seeds were connected to those used by a sprout producer whose finished products were part of an FDA investigation into a multistate outbreak. The investigation involves several Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strains, including O26, O103 and O168, as well as Salmonella Agona.

Health officials warn that both pathogens can cause gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause severe illness and kidney complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome, while Salmonella infections can lead to dehydration and, in some cases, infections outside the intestines. The supplier also reported that spent irrigation water from one lot of alfalfa seeds tested positive for E. coli.

Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the recalled seeds and not to sprout, plant, donate or give them to others. Any sprouts grown from the recalled seeds should not be eaten. Berlin Seeds recommends sealing the seeds in a bag before disposal and thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing jars, trays, sprouting equipment and other surfaces that may have come into contact with the seeds or sprouts. Retailers and distributors should stop selling the products and dispose of remaining inventory. No other Berlin Seeds sprouting seeds are included in the recall.