Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Moringa Leaf Powder Imported from India

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Richmond infections linked to a single lot of moringa leaf powder supplied to the U.S. by Vallon Farmdirect PVT LTD of Jodhpur, India. 

The outbreak has sicked 11 and hospitalized three. Cases have been reported in Florida, Kansas, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

The affected lot is labeled Batch No.: VFD/ORG/MORP/L/24 with the best by date (BBD) of November 2027.

As part of the investigation, the Virginia Department of Health collected an open sample of Africa Imports moringa leaf powder from an ill person’s home. This sample tested positive for Salmonella and, based on whole-genome sequencing matches, the strain causing illnesses in this outbreak, said FDA.

On Nov. 4, Africa Imports, located in South Hackensack, N.J., issued a recall of Organic Moringa Leaf Powder. The recalled powder was sold nationwide through the company’s website, africaimports.com.

Affected product is packaged in 1-kilogram boxes labeled “Organic Moringa Leaf Powder.” All Organic Moringa Leaf Powder purchased after June 5 is included in this recall.

FDA said it is working to determine the point of contamination and what additional products are impacted. This advisory will be updated as information becomes available.