Federal health officials are warning consumers about a multistate outbreak of a highly drug-resistant strain of salmonella tied to moringa powder capsules — a supplement that has surged in popularity as a trendy “superfood.”
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), working alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said the outbreak has been linked to certain Rosabella-brand moringa capsules distributed nationwide by Ambrosia Brands LLC.
At least seven people across seven states — Washington, Arizona, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, and Florida — were infected between Nov. 7 and Jan. 8. Three individuals were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Moringa powder is derived from the dried leaves of the Moringa oleifera tree, native to India and often dubbed the “miracle tree.” The supplement is widely marketed for its purported health benefits and is sold in capsule and powder form for dietary and medicinal use.
According to the FDA, investigators interviewed three infected individuals, all of whom reported consuming the Rosabella-brand capsules.
Health officials say the salmonella strain identified in this outbreak is resistant to both first-line and alternative antibiotics typically used to treat infections — a factor that significantly raises concern among public health experts.
In response, Ambrosia Brands LLC has voluntarily agreed to recall specific lots of its 60-count capsule bottles with expiration dates ranging from March 2027 to November 2027. The affected products were sold through the company’s website, TikTok Shop, and Amazon.
The company stated that none of the impacted lots were sold directly by Ambrosia Brands on Amazon and that it has no authorized resellers on the platform. However, it acknowledged that unauthorized third-party sales may have occurred through eBay, Shein, or other online marketplaces.
Consumers are urged to check lot numbers carefully. Recalled lot codes include dozens of batches, such as 5020591 through 5020596, 5030246 through 5030251, 5040270 through 5040279, 5050053 through 5050056, 5060069 through 5060080, 5080084 through 5080086, 5090107 through 5090118, and 5100039 and 5100048.
Ambrosia Brands said it has discontinued sourcing raw moringa leaf powder from the supplier connected to the recalled lots and emphasized that it is cooperating fully with regulators.
Salmonella infection can develop within 12 to 72 hours after ingestion. Symptoms often include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. While many healthy individuals recover without treatment, young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals face higher risks of severe illness. In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause life-threatening complications such as arterial infections or endocarditis.
Consumers who purchased the recalled capsules are advised to dispose of them immediately and avoid consuming, selling, or distributing the product.
