Salmonella Contamination Recall: Food to Live Green Powders
Earlier This Month: The FDA announced a recall of Food to Live brand green powders by Lexunder Inc. due to potential salmonella contamination. A sample of the Organic Supergreens Mix tested positive for the bacteria, leading to the recall of nine products nationwide, including Organic SuperGreens Powder Mix, Organic Moringa Leaf Powder, Organic Kale Powder, and Organic Wheatgrass Powder.
The recall follows a previous salmonella outbreak linked to imported moringa leaf powder, which sickened hundreds and resulted in 36 hospitalizations. While many associate salmonella with raw poultry and eggs, it can also be found in dried green supplements.
Why Salmonella Might Contaminate Supplements
Food safety experts believe that salmonella could be present on raw plants used for these powders, potentially contaminating them during growth, harvesting, or processing. Possible contamination sources include:
- Contaminated irrigation water
- Animal interactions with crops
- Improperly treated manure as fertilizer
- Contaminated equipment or poor hygiene practices during processing
Once contamination occurs, simply dehydrating the product may not eliminate the bacteria.
Surprising Resilience of Salmonella
Salmonella can survive in dry conditions, often persisting in powdered ingredients longer than expected. This makes outbreaks linked to dry products a concern, as bacteria can remain even when no moisture is present.
Health Risks of Salmonella
Salmonella is invisible and odorless; products may appear safe while housing harmful bacteria. In the U.S., it leads to about 1.35 million infections annually. People can contract salmonella through:
- Contaminated food
- Contaminated water
- Contact with infected animals
Infections can cause symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. In severe cases, it can lead to infections in other parts of the body.
Tips for Reducing Contamination Risks
Despite the recent recalls, not all green supplements pose risks. Experts recommend:
- Only purchasing supplements from reputable suppliers.
- Monitoring recall notices from the FDA to ensure safety.
If you come across a product on the recall list, it’s safest to discard or return it, as there’s no reliable home remedy to make it safe again.
