The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Newport linked to organic sprouted chia seed powder from Navitas Naturals. As of May 28, 12 cases have been reported from seven states including Arizona (1), California (2), Connecticut (1), Massachusetts (1) New York (4), Utah (1), and Wisconsin (2). Among persons for whom information is available, dates that illnesses began range from Jan. 21, 2014, to May 5, 2014. Ill persons range in age from four years to 71 years, with a median age of 48 years. Among 10 ill persons with available information, one reports being hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. FDA, CDC, and the California Department of Public Health are warning people not to eat products subject to the voluntary recall by Navitas Naturals, of Novato, CA, that contain Organic Sprouted Chia Seed Powder. Results from federal, state and local epidemiologic investigations show a strong link to eating Organic Sprouted Chia Seed Powder. Seven out of seven persons interviewed reported eating chia powder, and six of these seven people reported eating Navitas Naturals Organic Sprouted Chia Seed Powder. On May 28, 2014, Navitas Naturals recalled specific lots of Navitas Naturals Organic Sprouted Chia Powder, Navitas Naturals Omega Blend Sprouted Smoothie Mix, and Williams-Sonoma Omega 3 Smoothie Mixer:

        Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are should not eat them. They should return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it immediately.  Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. In some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. Anyone can get Salmonellosis, but children are the most likely to be infected. The rate of diagnosed infections in children younger than five is higher than the rate in all other persons. Young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are the most likely to have severe infections. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the symptoms described above.