A Salmonella outbreak linked to organic, sprouted chia powder distributed by Navitas Naturals of Novato, California has sickened 12 people in seven states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One person has been hospitalized.
Navitas Naturals issued a recall for the chia powder, which is made from ground dried chia seeds, on May 28, 2014. The recall includes 8 oz size Navitas Naturals Organic Sprouted Chia Powder with UPC 858847000369 and best buy dates from 04/30/2015 through 09/05/2015; Navitas Naturals Omega Blend Sprouted Smoothie Mix, in 8 oz size with the UPC 858847000314 and best buy dates from 07/29/2015 through 09/19/2015; and Williams-Sonoma Omega 3 Smoothie Mixer in 8 oz size with SKU 506436 and best buy dates from 09/12/2015 through 10/02/2015.
Health officials are concerned because these product have a long shelf-life and may still be in people’s homes. People who do have a recalled product at home should not use it. Those who have used it should watch for signs of a salmonellosis which includes abdominal cramping, fever and diarrhea.
So far, 12 cases of Salmonella Newport infection have been reported from the following seven states: Arizona (1), California (2), Connecticut (1), Massachusetts (1), New York (4), Utah (1), and Wisconsin (2). The onset of illness dates range from January 21, 2014 to May 5, 2014. The case patients range in age from 4 to 71. The median age is 48. Fifty-eight percent of those sickened are female.
