The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating an outbreak of salmonella infections linked to organic sprouted chia powder, commonly used in health foods.
So far, the CDC reports that twenty-one people in twelve states have been infected with salmonella.
After epidemiological findings connected the outbreak to chia powder, various companies recalled products containing the culinary culprit, including Health Matters America, Inc., and Navitas Natural.
Zach Adelman, CEO of Navitas Natural, assured customers that the company would “not take chances with [its] consumers’ wellbeing”, as reported by NPR.
The CDC advises consumers to check their homes for any recalled products, and to get rid of them if found. Though most people recover without treatment, the CDC emphasizes the necessity of precautionary measures for children under 5 years old, older individuals, and those with weak immune systems, as an infection can lead to serious illness.
Infected persons may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
Dr. Laura Gieraltowski, a CDC investigator, said that a large number of the infected individuals followed vegan, vegetarian, or primarily organic diets, according to Reuters.