WASHINGTON — A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Richmond infections traces back to a specific lot of organic moringa leaf powder imported into the United States, prompting officials to immediately recall a popular dietary supplement and intensify scrutiny of the supply chain.
According to an investigation led by the FDA in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the contamination can be traced to a single lot (Lot VFD/ORG/MORP/L/24, best-by November 2027) of moringa leaf powder manufactured by Vallon Farm Direct PVT LTD in Jodhpur, India.
Outbreak Details
Health officials have identified 11 illnesses across seven states — Florida, Kansas, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Three people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have occurred.
Of the 10 people interviewed, nine reported using powdered dietary supplements; six specifically named the recalled product, and three reported consuming other products containing moringa powder.
Recalled Product and Retail Distribution
The product at the Centre of the recall is the dietary supplement Member’s Mark Super Greens Powder, sold both in-store and online at Sam’s Club locations nationwide.
Sam’s Club has ceased distribution and sales of this supplement and is notifying customers who may have purchased the product.
Contamination Evidence
The FDA’s traceback investigation identified the single lot from the Indian supplier as common to all eight points of sale examined. In addition, open samples of moringa leaf powder collected from the home of an ill person in Virginia, and a sample of the Member’s Mark supplement from Michigan, both tested positive for Salmonella, matching by whole-genome sequencing the strain responsible for the outbreak. These findings, combined with epidemiological data, support the supplier lot as the source of contamination.
What Consumers and Retailers Should Do
- Consumers and retailers: Do not eat, sell or serve the recalled Member’s Mark Super Greens Powder; the FDA advises discarding it or returning it to the place of purchase.
- Distributors/retailers: If you received moringa leaf powder from Vallon Farm Direct (lot VFD/ORG/MORP/L/24) do not use, sell or distribute it.
- Cleaning advice: Anyone who touched the recalled product should thoroughly clean and sanitize surfaces and containers to prevent cross-contamination.
- Medical advice: If you have used the supplement and develop symptoms such as diarrhea, fever or abdominal cramps (typically occurring 12-72 hours after exposure), contact your healthcare provider.
Next Steps & Ongoing Investigation
The FDA is investigating how and where the contamination occurred and whether additional products are affected. The agency will update the advisory as new information becomes available.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- Even “natural” or plant-based supplements are not exempt from microbial contamination risk.
- Traceback and molecular sequencing remain powerful tools in outbreak investigations.
- Retailers and suppliers must maintain vigilance over ingredient sourcing, especially from international suppliers.
- Consumers should remain alert to recall notices and follow safe‐handling practices when using dietary supplements.
Reference:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
To read more about Salmonella & its outbreak, click here.