SPANISH FORK, Utah (October 8, 2026): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Gardeners Basics is recalling Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds due to possible Salmonella contamination. The company sold the affected one-pound bags nationwide through its website and online stores.
Gardeners Basics recall: quick summary
The recall affects Gardeners Basics Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds sold in white and green resealable bags weighing 1 pound (454 grams). Consumers can identify the product by UPC 848137042889 and the “Packed for 2027” label.
According to the company, Gardeners Basics stopped selling the seeds after its supplier reported that the FDA had found Salmonella in a sample from a bulk broccoli seed lot. As of October 6, the company had received no reports of illness linked to the recalled product.
The recall is also linked to an ongoing FDA investigation into a multistate outbreak of foodborne illness involving broccoli sprouts.
Official recall details
- Recall Announcement Date: October 08, 2026
- FDA Publish Date: October 08, 2026
- Announcing Agency: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Company: Gardeners Basics
- Brand: Gardeners Basics
- Product: Broccoli Sprouting Seeds
- Issue: Product may be contaminated with Salmonella
- UPC: 848137042889
- Lot Code: W4105
- Distribution: Nationwide in the United States through online sales, shipped directly to consumers
- Consumer Contact: [email protected]; 801-769-6181
What happened?
Gardeners Basics announced the recall on October 8 after its seed supplier notified the company on September 26. The supplier recalled bulk broccoli seed lot W4105 after the FDA detected Salmonella in a sample.
A sprout grower had also used seeds from the affected lot in a finished product linked to the FDA’s multistate foodborne illness investigation. The investigation is also relevant to the recalls involving Eden Brothers and EAK Distribution.
Gardeners Basics sold the affected seeds through its website and online retail marketplaces. After receiving the supplier’s notice, the company stopped selling the product.
Affected products
Product | Lot codes | UPC |
|---|---|---|
Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds | W4105 | 848137042889 |
What caused the issue?
The FDA detected Salmonella in a sample from the supplier’s bulk broccoli seed lot W4105. This finding prompted the supplier to recall the lot and connects the Gardeners Basics recall to the broader investigation involving broccoli sprouts.
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of severe illness. In severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the intestines and cause serious complications.
FSQA Insight
“The supplier’s alert about lot W4105 gives seed buyers a specific starting point for the investigation. They should match that lot against receiving and distribution records, then check whether any of the seed was supplied onward for sprouting or incorporated into other operations,” said Allyza Joyce Mercado, FSQA Manager at Source86.
Here’s what you should do
Consumers who purchased the recalled seeds should:
- Stop using the affected seeds immediately.
- Do not consume the seeds or any sprouts grown from them.
- Seal the recalled seeds and any affected sprouts in a bag and discard them.
- Check the package for UPC 848137042889 and the “Packed for 2027” marking.
- Contact Gardeners Basics about recall assistance or a refund if they have not already received one.
Consumers who are unsure whether their package is affected should stop using it and contact the company. A return is not required.
For assistance, email [email protected] or text or leave a voicemail at 801-769-6181.
Behind the brand
Gardeners Basics is based in Spanish Fork, Utah, and sells gardening products, including seeds, through its website and online retail marketplaces.
Other relevant recalls
- Home Grown Recalls Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds Over Salmonella Risk
- Eden Brothers Recalls Calabrese Broccoli Seeds Over Salmonella Risk
- Berlin Seeds Recalls Alfalfa Sprouting Seed Over Possible E. Coli and Salmonella Contamination
- Evergreen Fresh Sprouts Recalls Broccoli Sprouts Over Salmonella Contamination
Regulatory context
The FDA has issued industry guidance specifically for seeds intended for sprouting because contaminated seeds have been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks. The guidance addresses practices throughout the seed supply chain and recommends that firms assess their suppliers’ food safety procedures. It also cautions that testing should not replace appropriate preventive practices. The document provides recommendations for industry rather than creating independent binding requirements.
Ensuring safe eats
Seeds intended for sprouting require careful attention because consumers may eat the resulting sprouts without a cooking step that would kill harmful bacteria. Buyers should understand how their suppliers assess microbial risks and what evidence supports the safety of the seed lots they purchase.
Source86 supports food businesses with supplier management, FSQA oversight, and supply chain traceability. Contact our team to discuss your ingredient sourcing and food safety needs.
