A voluntary recall has been issued for a popular organic superfood powder and dietary supplement sold nationwide because it could be contaminated with Salmonella.
According to a Nov. 13 release from the Food and Drug Administration, Brooklyn-based Food to Live recalled packages of Organic Moringa Leaf Power and Organic Supergreens Powder Mix that were distributed to retailers across the country. They were sold on Food to Live’s website, to the brand’s wholesale division, and online at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Etsy and E-Bay, the release said.
The recalled products were sold in a variety of bags and sizes, including eight ounce, one pound, two pound, four pound, eight pound, 16 pound and 44 pound bags. The plastic, stand-up pouches contain lot codes starting with “SO-69006” and ending with “SO-72558.”
“No other Food To Live products and lots are involved in this recall,” the release said.
The recall follows a Salmonella outbreak investigation announced earlier this year and linked to a specific lot of similar powders. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 11 people have been sickened in connection with the contaminated lots, across Florida, Kansas, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
At least three of those people were hospitalized, the CDC said.
According to Food to Live’s website, the powders can be used in a variety of recipes, including desserts, dressings, dips, juices, sauces, smoothies, soups and more. The company did not immediately respond to NBC Chicago’s request for comment.
“We have suspended production and distribution of Organic Moringa Leaf Powder while we and the FDA continue to investigate the source and extent of the problem,” the brand said in the FDA release. “Food To Live is working closely with the FDA to ensure all potentially unsafe product is removed from commerce.”
Those who have purchased the products should not consume it and are advised to immediately throw it away or return it to where it was purchased for a full refund.
“Food To Live takes food safety extremely seriously,” the company said in the release. “We apologize for the inconvenience and concern this recall may cause our customers. Our company is committed to ensuring the quality of our products and the well-being of our consumers.”
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is an organism that cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
In rare circumstances, an infection with Salmonella can result in the organism entering the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis, the FDA said.
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