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 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 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.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with Provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Health Canada to investigate nine Canadian cases of Salmonella infection linked to the consumption of dried sprouted chia seed powder. Sprouted chia seed powder is made from ground, dried chia seeds.
In Canada, two strains of Salmonella have been identified associated with this outbreak: Salmonella Newport and Salmonella Hartford. In total, 9 cases have been reported in British Columbia (6), Alberta (1) and Quebec (2). One case was hospitalized and has recovered. No deaths have been reported. The investigation is ongoing but currently, 7 of 7 cases that have been interviewed have reported consumption of dried sprouted chia seed powder.
As a part of this investigation, The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a food recall warning for various products from Advantage Health Matters containing sprouted chia seeds under the brands Organic Traditions and Back 2 the Garden. These products have been recalled and are being removed from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination.
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