FDA investigating outbreak of ‘extensively’ antibiotic resistant salmonella linked to supplement
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it is investigating an outbreak of "extensively drug-resistant" Salmonella linked to a popular herbal supplement. Capsules made from the leaf of the moringa oleifera, often taken to boost energy levels and normalize sleeping patterns, may be responsible for the outbreak. For now, the agency confirmed all evidence points to a single manufacturer.
In an announcement on Friday, the FDA advised the public to cease the sale and use of certain lots of Rosabella capsulized powders, simply branded “Moringa” and sold in white bottles with green labels.
The source of the salmonella contamination is still being investigated, with the FDA and state health departments said to be working together to collect samples. But for now, this emergency alert is linked specifically to Rosabella products with a 2027 expiration date.
Because the capsules are sold online through retailers including eBay, TikTok, Amazon, Shein and others, the products most likely to contain the superbug bacteria have been distributed nationwide.
As of Feb. 13, seven people had been infected and three confirmed they took the moringa supplement from Rosabella prior to becoming ill. For now, that’s one sick person in seven different states, with Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee and Washington all reporting a single case.
However, given the recency of the outbreak, and the likelihood that symptoms will resolve on their own within 72 hours, the total number of cases is assumed to be an undercount—something an investigation will determine.
In this case, those most likely to develop severe infection include children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems—and given that this particular strain of the salmonella bacteria is resistant to antibiotics, the likelihood of death is higher, the FDA said.
Multiple lots recalled
Given the high risk and available evidence, the manufacturer—owned by Ambrosia Brands—has already issued a recall on all products linked to the outbreak of the disease, noting that three people have been hospitalized to date.
Impacted lots include bottles sold with 60 capsules. SKU numbers all start with 1356. Lot codes end with a 1 or a 2, the company confirmed.
The FDA released the below image, showing where the number and expiration dates can be found. Currently, bottles with expiration dates ranging from March 2027 to November 2027 have been swept up in this safety notice.
The effort to remove the supplements from the market is being conducted using lot numbers, shown marked on the image above. For more, including details on the specific lots, check the FDA notice by clicking here.
No other Ambrosia Brands products are impacted by this recall, the agency confirmed.
This is a developing story.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.