A Salmonella outbreak linked to moringa leaf powder in dietary supplements sickened at least 97 people in 32 states, with nearly one-third hospitalized, according to newly released information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on March 17.Health officials say the actual number of illnesses was likely much higher. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella,” states the CDC.Wisconsin reported the most illnesses with 12, followed by New York with 8, and Minnesota with 7. Additional cases were confirmed in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, and California. Many other states also reported illnesses linked to the supplements.
Patients ranged in age from 2 to 81 years, with a median age of 44. Of those infected, 61 percent were male and 39 percent female, according to CDC data.
The outbreak spanned from Aug. 22, 2025, to Feb. 27, 2026, and involved Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Newport strains.
However, the CDC warned on March 17 that “although this outbreak is over, these products have a long shelf-life and may still be in your home.”
“If you have any of these recalled products, throw them out or return them,” urged the CDC.
The following products linked to the outbreak were recalled in January 2026:Why Not Natural recalled its Pure Organic Moringa Green Superfood capsules, lot #A25G051, with an expiration date of July 2028. The product was sold nationwide in 120-capsule bottles.Superfoods, Inc. recalled all Live it Up Super Greens supplement powders with expiration dates from August 2026 to January 2028. The recall includes certain lots of both bags and sticks in Original and Wild Berry flavors. The products were also sold nationwide.Investigators linked the outbreak to contaminated moringa leaf powder through epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback evidence. Of 67 people interviewed, 59 said they had consumed products containing moringa leaf powder in the week before getting sick.
Most people interviewed said they had used the specific supplement: 55 took Live it Up Super Greens powders, three used Why Not Natural moringa capsules, and one person reported using both.
Lab tests also confirmed the contamination. The FDA found Salmonella Newport in two moringa ingredient samples and Salmonella Typhimurium in an opened bottle of Why Not Natural capsules.
State agencies also found the outbreak strain in both opened and unopened Live it Up Super Greens products.
Genetic testing showed bacteria from 96 patients were nearly identical, pointing to a single source of contamination. FDA traceback then identified a shared manufacturer for both supplement brands, further linking them to the outbreak.
Salmonella infection usually causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, beginning 6 hours to 6 days after exposure.
Most people recover without treatment, but severe cases can lead to hospitalization, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
