Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Moringa Supplement
A multi-state Salmonella outbreak has been linked to Rosabella-brand moringa powder capsules, leading to an FDA recall. As of February 13, seven people have been infected across seven states, with three requiring hospitalization. The Illinois Department of Public Health warned consumers that the outbreak involves a drug-resistant strain of Salmonella.
- The specific strain identified is Salmonella Newport, with illnesses starting between November 7, 2025, and January 8, 2026. The seven states reporting infections are Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, and Washington. - The strain is extensively drug-resistant (XDR), showing resistance to all first-line and alternative antibiotics commonly prescribed for Salmonella infections. This resistance is partly due to the presence of the NDM-1 carbapenemase gene, which can make treatment more complex. - The distributor, Ambrosia Brands LLC, has recalled 52 specific lots of the Rosabella-brand moringa capsules. While the FDA recommended a recall of all the company's moringa powder capsules, the firm has only agreed to recall certain lots. - The recalled supplements were sold nationwide through a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, TikTok Shop, Shein, eBay, and the company's website, tryrosabella.com. The affected products are packaged in white plastic bottles with green labels and have expiration dates in 2027. - This is not the only recent Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa supplements; a separate CDC investigation from January 2026 linked a different strain, Salmonella Richmond, to 65 illnesses in 28 states from other brands of moringa leaf powder. - Moringa is a plant-based supplement often marketed for its purported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as benefits for energy, metabolism, and immune health. However, the FDA has not evaluated these health claims.
