Illnesses near 100 in moringa Salmonella outbreak

An additional 20 patients have been identified in an outbreak of Salmonella infections traced to moringa powder and capsules.

As of March 17, there are 97 confirmed patients, up 20 from the most recent update from the Food and Drug Administration. Also, a new strain of Salmonella — Newport — has been discovered in outbreak patients. The patients are spread across 28 states from coast to coast. There have been 14 hospitalizations, but no deaths have been reported. Illnesses began on Aug. 22, 2025.

The infections have been linked to recalled Why Not Natural Pure Organic Moringa Green Superfood capsules and recalled Live it Up-brand Super Greens dietary supplement powder.

Of 40 people interviewed, 35 reported eating a product containing moringa leaf powder, including 31 who reported Live it Up Super Greens supplement powders only, 3 who reported Why Not Natural moringa powder capsules only, and 1 person who reported consuming both products. 

FDA’s traceback investigation revealed a common manufacturer between Live it Up-brand Super Greens and Why Not Natural Pure Organic Moringa Green Superfood capsules that used moringa leaf powder in both products. 

Epidemiologic and traceback evidence showed that moringa leaf powder is the source of contamination in this outbreak, and lot # A25G051 of Why Not Natural Pure Organic Moringa Green Superfood capsules with expiration date 07/2028 may be contaminated with the strains of Salmonella making people sick in this outbreak. 

On Jan. 24, 2026, Art Monkey LLC dba Why Not Natural of Houston, TX stopped the sale of Pure Organic Moringa Green Superfood capsules and initiated a recall of lot # A25G051 on Jan. 28, 2026. FDA is working with the firms to determine a root cause of the contamination and remove affected products from the market.

On Jan. 20, 2026, Superfoods, Inc. expanded their recall of Live it Up-brand Super Greens product to include nationwide distribution of recalled product, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as international distribution to consumers in the United Kingdom. On Jan. 26, 2026, Superfoods, Inc.’s recall press was updated to make changes to the net weight of recalled Live it Up-brand Super Greens Wild Berry products. See the recall notice for more information.

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.

Anyone who has eaten any moringa products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.