Federal health officials are warning consumers of a growing number of salmonella illnesses and outbreaks linked to moringa leaf products, and advising them to check their homes for recalled products.
Two salmonella bacteria outbreaks linked to moringa products have infected 137 individuals across multiple states.
In the first outbreak, which began in February, 18 people from 14 states have become ill after exposure to the same salmonella strain, with seven individuals getting hospitalized, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a May 27 statement. No deaths have been reported. The outbreak has been linked to moringa capsules sold under the Mogo brand.
Missouri-based Mogo Moringa LLC announced the recall of specific lots of Mogo Moringa Capsules due to concerns of possible salmonella contamination in a May 26 announcement published by the Food and Drug Administration.
The recall is applicable to lot number 15525AA with expiry in June 2027, and lot number 00926AA expiring in January 2028. No other lots are included in the recall, the company clarified.
The products are packaged in a white plastic bottle. The capsules were sold online via authorized channels.
“Independent third‑party laboratory testing was conducted on retained samples from the affected lots, and no salmonella was detected. The company is proceeding with this voluntary recall as a precaution and in coordination with the FDA while the agency continues its evaluation,” the announcement said.
In its statement, the CDC asked people not to use the recalled products and to throw them out or return the items to the store.
Any items or surfaces that come into contact with the recalled products must be washed using a dishwasher or hot soapy water, the agency said, while asking people to call their healthcare providers in case of any severe salmonella symptoms.
“Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps six hours to six days after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment,” the CDC said.
“In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized. Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.”
In the second outbreak, 119 individuals from 36 states have so far been infected with salmonella, resulting in 32 hospitalizations, according to a May 27 update from the CDC. No deaths were reported.
The first case was reported in August 2025.
The outbreak is linked to four recalled products.
On May 26, New York-based Total Nutrition, Inc. recalled certain lots from two brands of moringa capsules sold nationwide—TNVitamins Ultra Potent Complete Green Superfood Moringa 10,000 mg and Doctor’s Pride Complete Green Superfood Ultra Potent Moringa 10,000 mg—citing possible salmonella contamination.
On Jan. 28, Texas-based Why Not Natural announced the recall of a single lot of Pure Organic Moringa Green Superfood capsules sold across the United States.
A few days earlier, on Jan. 15, New York-based Live it Up recalled certain batches of its Super Greens supplement powders distributed nationwide, citing the likely presence of the pathogen.
The Epoch Times reached out to Mogo Moringa, TNVitamins, Doctor’s Pride, Why Not Natural, and Live it Up for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.
The CDC asked people who have bought these items not to consume them.
The agency advised consumers to seek medical help immediately if they have symptoms such as diarrhea and fever higher than 102 degrees, bloody diarrhea, excessive vomiting, diarrhea for over two days without any improvement, and signs of dehydration.
In an October 2024 report, the CDC warned that in some cases, salmonella infection can spread to other parts of the body such as bones, blood, the brain, and joints. Such infections could have “long-lasting effects.”
“A small number of people with salmonella infection develop pain in their joints called reactive arthritis. This condition can last for months or years and can lead to chronic arthritis,” the CDC said.
“People with reactive arthritis may also have irritated eyes and pain while urinating. Reactive arthritis following a salmonella infection is most common among people who are 15–35 years old.”