A popular health food has been urgently recalled in the USA due to fears it may be contaminated with salmonella. A notice issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned of “potential foodborne illness” linked to organic chia seeds. The nutrient-dense seeds, which have a mild, nutty flavour, are considered a superfood and have soared in popularity in recent years.
The recall “due to possible salmonella contamination” applies to packets of 8oz Organic Chia Seeds from Navitas Organics. The FDA notice said: “This recall is being conducted as a precautionary measure following a recall initiated by the company’s chia seed supplier. Product was distributed nationally through retail stores such as Whole Foods Market and online retailers including Amazon.”
The FDA notice listed the lot codes of affected products. Navotas said there had not been any illnesses or adverse medical events reported and other products are unaffected.
Salmonella bacteria is one of the most common causes of food poisoning, often resulting from contaminated foods such as meat, raw eggs and unpasteurised dairy products. Symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and a high temperature.
Most patients recover within a week and can manage the illness with plenty of rest and fluids.
However, some can be more seriously affected and suffer rare complications including blood poisoning, abscesses and joint pains.
The UK Health Security Agency warned last year that salmonella infections had reached a decade high, with 10,388 cases identified in 2024. This was up 17% from 8,872 cases in 2023.
Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director for gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA said: “Our extensive surveillance is showing high levels of gastrointestinal infections in England. We continue to work closely with partners to detect, investigate and halt the spread of infections.”
Risk of salmonella poisoning can be reduced by heating food to 70C for at least two minutes and ensuring all meat is thoroughly cooked.
Food requiring refrigeration should be kept at 5C or below and frozen meat and poultry products should be defrosted well before cooking.
