Recalled Super Greens diet supplement powder sickens 45 with salmonella

A nationwide salmonella outbreak linked to Super Greens dietary supplement powder has sickened at least 45 people across 21 states, according to federal health officials. The outbreak has resulted in 12 hospitalizations, though no deaths have been reported so far.

Superfoods Inc. has issued a recall for its Live it Up-brand Super Greens powder products, including both original and wild berry flavors with expiration dates ranging from August 2026 to January 2028. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are advising consumers to immediately stop using these products and to either discard them or return them to their place of purchase.

The contaminated supplements were distributed nationwide, with cases reported in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Health officials documented illnesses between August 22 and December 30, 2025. The FDA has indicated that its investigation is ongoing, and additional contaminated products may still be identified.

This outbreak highlights growing concerns about the safety of dietary supplements, a market that has expanded significantly in recent years. The supplement industry, valued at over $50 billion annually in the United States, operates under less stringent regulations than pharmaceutical products, creating potential gaps in safety oversight.

Green powder supplements have become particularly popular among health-conscious consumers seeking convenient ways to increase their vegetable intake. These products typically contain dehydrated green vegetables, grasses, algae, and other plant ingredients marketed as nutrient-dense superfoods.

Industry analysts note that the dietary supplement market has seen a surge in demand since the pandemic, as consumers increasingly focus on preventative health measures and immune support. However, this rapid growth has also raised questions about quality control and manufacturing practices across the industry.

Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, typically develops within hours or days after consuming contaminated food. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. While most healthy individuals recover without specific treatment within a week, the infection can pose serious risks to vulnerable populations, including young children, adults over 65, and those with compromised immune systems.

The FDA has not yet determined the exact source of contamination in the manufacturing process. Potential sources could include contaminated raw ingredients, improper handling during production, or issues with packaging.

This is not the first time dietary supplements have been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks. In recent years, the FDA has increased scrutiny of the supplement industry, particularly regarding product claims and contamination issues.

Health officials recommend that consumers check their homes for the recalled products and monitor the FDA website for updates as the investigation continues. Healthcare providers are also being advised to be alert for symptoms of salmonella infection in patients who may have consumed these supplements.

Experts emphasize that while dietary supplements can complement a healthy diet, they should not replace whole foods and should be purchased from reputable manufacturers who follow strict quality control protocols. The current outbreak serves as a reminder that natural products are not inherently safe and can carry foodborne illness risks similar to conventional food products.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Superfoods Inc. directly or consult with healthcare providers if they believe they may have been affected by the contaminated products.