U.S., Canada Report Salmonella Illnesses Tied to Organic Sprouted Chia Seed Powder

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials have been investigating illnesses associated with Organic Sprouted Chia Seed Powder.

What is the Problem and What is Being Done About It?

The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local officials are investigating a cluster of Salmonella Newport illnesses primarily associated with products containing Organic Sprouted Chia Seed Powder from Navitas Naturals of Novato, California.  Navitas Naturals disclaimer icon has recalled three products containing Organic Sprouted Chia Seed Powder.  This investigation is ongoing.

According to the CDC, as of May 28, 2014, 12 cases of Salmonella Newport have been reported from 7 states including Arizona (1), California (2), Connecticut (1), Massachusetts (1) New York (4), Utah (1), and Wisconsin (2).  One person has been hospitalized.  No deaths have been reported.

The FDA, the CDC, and the California Department of Public Health disclaimer icon are warning people not to eat products subject to the voluntary recall by Navitas Naturals, of Novato California, that contain Organic Sprouted Chia Seed Powder.

Results from federal, state and local epidemiologic investigations show a strong link to eating Organic Sprouted Chia Seed Powder.  Seven out of seven persons (100%) interviewed reported eating chia powder.  Six of these seven people (86%) reported eating Navitas Naturals Organic Sprouted Chia Seed Powder.

On May 28, 2014, Navitas Naturals recalled specific lots of Navitas Naturals Organic Sprouted Chia Powder, Navitas Naturals Omega Blend Sprouted Smoothie Mix, and Williams-Sonoma Omega 3 Smoothie Mixer.