FDA Issues Urgent Recall for Rosabella Moringa Capsules After Salmonella Outbreak
Three individuals have been hospitalized and at least seven others have fallen ill after consuming a popular dietary supplement sold through major online platforms including Amazon and TikTok. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that the patients were infected with a dangerous strain of salmonella, a potentially lethal bacteria that exhibits resistance to standard antibiotic treatments.
Contaminated Wellness Product Linked to Multi-State Illnesses
The illnesses have been directly traced to Rosabella-branded moringa powder capsules, which are marketed as a nutrient-dense wellness booster. These supplements are packaged in distinctive 60-capsule white plastic bottles featuring green labels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the reported illnesses occurred between November 7 and January 8 across seven states, with the majority of cases concentrated in the Midwest region. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported in connection with this outbreak.
Hundreds of affected bottles from Rosabella, a brand operated by Ambrosia, have now been officially recalled. Health authorities are urgently advising consumers to inspect their supplement cabinets for these products and dispose of them immediately. Additionally, individuals are being instructed to thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the recalled capsules to prevent further spread of the drug-resistant salmonella strain.
Health Risks and Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Those who suspect they may have been infected with salmonella through these supplements are strongly encouraged to contact their healthcare provider without delay. Patients infected with salmonella typically develop symptoms within 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Warning signs include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. While healthy adults generally recover from the infection within four to seven days, severe cases can lead to the bacteria spreading to the bloodstream, potentially causing life-threatening sepsis.
Particularly vulnerable populations include children under five years old, elderly individuals, and people with compromised immune systems. The FDA has issued a specific warning to Americans regarding moringa supplements following the discovery of this contamination link.
Understanding Moringa and the Source of Contamination
Moringa powder is derived from the crushed leaves of the moringa tree, a plant native to India that has been historically celebrated as a 'miracle tree' due to its purported health benefits. The Cleveland Clinic notes that this green powder is rich in nutrients and may support healthy bones, eyesight, and weight management. The supplement first gained significant popularity during the 2010s, with many consumers incorporating it into various foods and beverages.
The recalled bottles have best-before dates ranging from March to November 2027. While these products were sold nationwide, infected individuals have been identified in Washington, Arizona, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, and Florida. Although the exact source of contamination remains unclear, previous cases have linked salmonella contamination in plant products to irrigation or treatment with water contaminated by animal feces.
Recall Details and Company Response
The recalled bottles bear specific lot numbers located on the bottom of the containers. These include 5020591 through 5020596, 5030246 through 5030251, 5040270 through 5040279, 5050053 through 5050056, 5060069 through 5060080, 5080084 through 5080086, 5090107 through 5090118, and 5100039 through 5100048.
In its official recall notice, the FDA states that the supplement was available for purchase on Amazon, TikTok Shop, eBay, Shein, and the supplement's official website. Interestingly, Ambrosia Brands, which includes Rosabella, has claimed that it did not directly sell the supplement on Amazon, though it acknowledged that third-party sellers may have listed the product on the platform.
The CDC's investigation involved interviews with three patients, all of whom reported consuming Rosabella-branded moringa powder before developing infections. No additional details regarding the patients' identities, ages, specific symptoms, or recovery status have been disclosed.
In an official statement, an Ambrosia spokesperson declared: 'We continue to diligently investigate, in collaboration with FDA, this possible link of the salmonella outbreak to Rosabella Moringa Capsule. We have discontinued use and purchase of all raw moringa leaf powder from the raw material supplier of the above-referenced lots.' The spokesperson further emphasized: 'Ambrosia Brands is conducting this recall voluntarily and takes this matter very seriously. We apologize for the inconvenience and concern this recall may cause our customers.'
