Organic chia seeds sold nationwide at retailers including Whole Foods and Amazon have been recalled because of possible salmonella contamination, according to an announcement posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can pose serious health risks to vulnerable groups.
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FDA
Navitas Organics said that salmonella has not been detected so far in any of its products, and no illnesses have been reported. The company issued the recall as a “precautionary measure,” after its supplier initiated a recall, according to the announcement.
Navitas recalled 8 oz packages of organic chia seeds sold in stand-up pouches with the UPC code 858847000284.
The company said 9-digit lot codes starting with “W” are printed on the back of packaging above the nutritional information. The following Navitas Organics chia seed lots were recalled:
- W31025283 – Best If Used By: End APR 2027
- W31025286 – Best If Used By: End APR 2027
- W31025287 – Best If Used By: End APR 2027
- W31025311 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027
- W31025314 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027
- W31025315 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027
- W31025316 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027
- W31025317 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027
If you have the recalled chia seeds, do not eat them. You should throw them away, or return them for a refund, the company said.
To avoid potential cross-contamination, clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the chia seeds.
How Does Salmonella Make You Sick?
Salmonella is a group of bacteria (among many) that can cause food poisoning. A salmonella infection can be serious and sometimes deadly for vulnerable groups, including young children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems.
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In healthy people, salmonella infection can cause symptoms that can start anywhere from 6 hours to 6 days after eating contaminated food.
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Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
Symptoms of salmonella infection usually last 4 to 7 days. Dehydration is the biggest concern; drink plenty of clear fluids while you recover.
In severe cases, the infection may spread from the intestines to the blood, and could lead to life-threatening complications without prompt treatment.
Most cases of salmonella poisoning get better on their own, but if you have a weakened immune system, or if your symptoms are severe, you should seek medical care.
