The company, Navitas Naturals, the Superfood Company, imports chia seed from Mexico and then sprouts the seed, dries and then grinds into a powder. So it appears that this sprouting process could be an amplification step for Salmonella. Salmonella, coming in on the seed, could potentially grow during the sprouting process (depending on the conditions used for sprouting). Once present in higher numbers, this bacteria would survive in the dry powder form for long periods of time (similar to how it survived in other low moisture products such as peanut butter). Salmonella has been an issue in other sprouted seed product , as evidenced by a number of outbreaks and recalls, because of these same reason of being present on the raw seed and being amplified/grown in the sprouting process.
Chia seed has gained in popularity for containing high levels per serving of protein, Omega 3 fatty acids and high dietary fiber. From a functionality standpoint, it forms a gel that can be used as a thickening agent. It imparts no real flavor, so you can add it to foods without having to worry about accounting for new flavors. According to the company website, the nutritional benefits are increased in the sprouting process. But so is its risk of Salmonella.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm399151.htm
Navitas Naturals Issues Voluntary Recall for Organic Sprouted Chia Seed Powder Products
Contact:
Consumer: Consumer Care Team 1-888-886-3879
Media: Media Communications Team 1-888-645-4282
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 28, 2014 - Navitas Naturals, the Superfood Company is voluntarily recalling products which contain Organic Sprouted Chia Powder due to possible health risks related to Salmonella contamination. “We have chosen to voluntarily recall products containing Organic Sprouted Chia Powder with the goal of utmost safety for our consumers” stated Zach Adelman, Navitas Naturals CEO.
The affected products were distributed nationally and include:
Navitas Naturals Organic Sprouted Chia Powder, 8oz, UPC 858847000369 with best buy dates from 04/30/2015 through 09/05/2015
Navitas Naturals Omega Blend Sprouted Smoothie Mix, 8oz, UPC 858847000314 with best buy dates from 07/29/2015 through 09/19/2015
Williams-Sonoma Omega 3 Smoothie Mixer, 8 oz, SKU 506436 with best buy dates from 09/12/2015 through 10/02/2015
No other Navitas Naturals products are affected by this recall.
Consumers who have purchased this item are urged to not eat the product, and to dispose of it or return it to the store where it was originally purchased.
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses.
The company is working closely with FDA and California Department of Public Health on this issue. “Ensuring the premium quality of the superfoods we provide is our highest priority,” said Adelman.” We stand behind the safety and integrity of our products and their valuable superfood nutrients,” confirmed Adelman.
Customers with questions or who would like product replacements or refunds may contact 888-886-3879 between 8:00-4:30 PST, Monday through Friday.
Company Website
http://navitasnaturals.com/product/445/Chia-Seed-Powder.html
Chia Seed Powder
Enjoyed for centuries by ancient cultures throughout Central America as a food and medicine, the chia seed is an abundant source of omega fats, protein, antioxidants and dietary fiber. Our Chia Powder is made from 100% sprouted organic chia seeds. Flavor-neutral chia absorbs liquid and forms a gel, which helps to support hydration and tame the appetite.
Navitas Naturals offers an exciting new way to enjoy chia seeds - in a sprouted, finely milled powder! The chia seed's nutritional benefits are even more enhanced by the process of sprouting. This germination of the seeds increases the nutritional profile and enzyme content, and allows the food to become more easily digested and assimilated within the body.
Product of Mexico
The Mexican state Chiapas was named according to the Nahuatl meaning for ‘Chia River’, signifying evidence of cultivation of chia from early times. Chia was so valuable to the Aztecs that it was used as a currency. The fast growing herb, part of the mint family, flowers in beautiful hues of white, blue and even purple shades. The small, shiny, oval seeds continue to be prized in modern times.
Navitas Naturals Chia Powder is processed in Canada where the seeds are sprouted prior to milling to increase antioxidant content and improve the bioavailability of nutrients. This low-temperature process maximizes the nutritional benefits, increases shelf stability and eliminates the need for refrigeration. Our sprouted chia powder is a single ingredient product and we use no carriers, solvents, fillers or any other ingredients. It is certified organic, kosher, gluten-free, vegan and raw.
Protein, Omega-3s
Navitas Naturals Chia Powder contains all the healthy goodness of the whole chia seed including antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Chia powder's omega fatty acids are eight times more abundant than salmon gram-for-gram! The incredible stability of the chia seed means the nutritional benefits won't degrade over time compared with other oil-rich foods.
More information on company website - http://navitasnaturals.com/product/445/Chia-Seed-Powder.html
CDC Outbreak Notice
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/newport-05-14/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Newport Infections Linked to Organic Sprouted Chia PowderPosted May 29, 2014 3:30 PM ET
Highlights
Read the Advice to Consumers»
A total of 12 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Newport have been reported from 7 states.
The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Arizona (1), California (2), Connecticut (1), Massachusetts (1), New York (4), Utah (1), and Wisconsin (2).
One ill person has been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Collaborative investigation efforts of state, local, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicate that organic sprouted chia powder distributed by Navitas Naturals of Novato, California is the likely source of this outbreak.
Chia powder is made from ground dried chia seeds.
On May 28, 2014, Navitas Naturals recalled
products that contain organic sprouted chia powder due to possible Salmonella contamination. These products have a long shelf-life and may still be in people’s homes.
The recalled products include Navitas Naturals Organic Sprouted Chia Powder, Navitas Naturals Omega Blend Sprouted Smoothie Mix, and Williams-Sonoma Omega 3 Smoothie Mixer.
The recalled products are available for purchase in many retail stores and online.
CDC recommends that consumers do not eat recalled Navitas Naturals products containing organic sprouted chia powder.
Initial Announcement
May 29, 2014
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in several states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections. Results from this ongoing investigation indicate that organic sprouted chia powder distributed by Navitas Naturals of Novato, California is the likely source of this outbreak. Chia powder is made from ground dried chia seeds.
Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak. PulseNet, the national subtyping network of public health and food regulatory agency laboratories coordinated by CDC, obtains DNA "fingerprints" of Salmonella bacteria through diagnostic testing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, or PFGE, to identify cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak. This PFGE pattern has never been seen before in PulseNet.
A total of 12 ill persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Newport have been reported from 7 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: 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 January 21, 2014 to May 5, 2014. Ill persons range in age from 4 years to 71 years, with a median age of 48 years. Fifty-eight percent of ill persons are female. Among ten ill persons with available information, one (10%) reports being hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
This outbreak can be visually described with a chart showing the number of persons who became ill each day. This chart is called an epidemic curve or epi curve. Illnesses that occurred after May 8, 2014 might not yet be reported due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks. The recalled products containing organic sprouted chia powder have a long shelf-life and may still be in people’s homes, and illnesses may continue to be reported. Please see the Timeline for Reporting Cases of Salmonella Infection for more details.
Investigation of the Outbreak
Epidemiologic and traceback findings have linked this outbreak of Salmonella infections to organic sprouted chia powder distributed by Navitas Naturals.
In interviews, ill persons answered questions about food eaten and other exposures in the week before becoming ill. Seven (100%) of seven persons interviewed reported eating chia powder. Six (86%) of these seven people reported eating the Navitas Naturals organic sprouted chia powder.
On May 28, 2014, Navitas Naturals recalled
products that contain organic sprouted chia powder due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled products include Navitas Naturals Organic Sprouted Chia Powder, Navitas Naturals Omega Blend Sprouted Smoothie Mix, and Williams-Sonoma Omega 3 Smoothie Mixer. The recalled products are available for purchase in many retail stores and online.Several samples of leftover organic sprouted chia powder from ill persons’ homes and unopened packages from retail locations are being tested for the presence of Salmonella bacteria. Results of this testing will be released when they become available.
CDC and state and local public health partners are continuing laboratory surveillance through PulseNet to identify additional ill persons and to interview ill persons about foods eaten before becoming ill. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is continuing to work closely with CDC and state partners in this investigation.
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