The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has closed its investigation into a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to recalled dietary supplements containing moringa leaf powder.
A second moringa-associated salmonellosis outbreak is still ongoing. These contamination events have brought attention to broader issues that affect botanical ingredients used by the global natural health industry.
Investigation Closed Without Update on Root Cause of Contamination
As of March 17, 2026, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 97 people from 32 states that have been infected with one of the outbreak strains of S. Typhimurium and S. Newport. Of the 67 people interviewed, 59 (88 percent) reported eating a product containing moringa leaf powder, including 55 who reported Live it Up-brand Super Greens supplement powders only, three who reported Why Not Natural moringa powder capsules only, and one who reported consuming both products. There were 26 hospitalizations, and no deaths have been reported.
The products linked to illnesses in this outbreak have a long shelf life. FDA is reminding consumers and retailers not to eat, sell, or serve the following recalled products:
Why Not Natural Pure Organic Moringa Green Superfood capsules from lot #A25G051 with an expiration date of July 2028
Live it Up-brand Super Greens dietary supplement powder (Original or Wild Berry flavors) with expiration dates from August 2026 to January 2028.
As part of the investigation, FDA and state public health partners collected product and ingredient samples for analysis. The outbreak strains of S. Typhimurium or S. Newport were detected in six samples. Specifically, FDA detected the outbreak strain of S. Newport in two moringa leaf powder ingredient samples and the outbreak strain of S. Typhimurium in one opened product sample of Why Not Natural Pure Organic Moringa Green Superfood capsules. State partners in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota detected the outbreak strain of S. Typhimurium in three samples (two in opened samples and one in an unopened sample of Live it Up-brand Super Greens product).
In January, FDA stated that it was working with the implicated firms to determine the root cause of contamination, but at the time of closing its investigation, no root cause has been publicly disclosed by the agency.
Another Moringa-Related Outbreak Investigation is Ongoing
At present, FDA and CDC are still investigating a separate Salmonella outbreak linked to moringa powder capsules sold under the Rosabella brand name and are distributed by Ambrosia Brands LLC.
Concerningly, the Salmonella strain involved in this outbreak is “extensively drug-resistant.”
Looking for quick answers on food safety topics?
Try Ask FSM, our new smart AI search tool.
Ask FSM →
As of February 19, seven people from seven states have been infected with the outbreak strain, resulting in three hospitalizations. The producing firm has issued a recall.
Moringa Supply Chains Under Scrutiny
These recent contamination incidents involving moringa products have brought attention to a broader issue that affects many botanical ingredients used in the global natural health industry. While moringa has gained widespread popularity for its nutritional profile and potential wellness benefits, these outbreaks highlight vulnerabilities that can arise when supply chains lack sufficient transparency, testing protocols, and oversight.
In light of recent moringa contamination events, an expert-authored column written for the March 17 Food Safety Digest examines where problems can emerge in botanical ingredient supply chains and how companies can better protect consumer safety. Read it here.
