Put down the chia seed powder and read this: Certain sprouted chia seed powder products that were distributed nationally are being recalled because of reports of Salmonella, according to an ongoing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigation. A total of 21 people have been infected so far across multiple states and two people have been hospitalized.Chia seeds have been enjoying the limelight as one of the hottest “it” foods because they’re packed with a surprising amount of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and filling fiber despite their tiny size. But sprouts in general seem to be particularly vulnerable to contamination. The current recall affects organic and non-organic sprouted chia seed powder from several manufacturers: Health Matters America, Navitas Naturals and GreenSmoothieGirl (click on each manufacturer for product lot numbers and expiration dates to look out for from the Food and Drug Administration.)”Based on investigations by FDA and California Department of Public Health, one of our suppliers Health Matters America, Inc., has expanded their recall of chia products,” stated Zach Adelman, chief executive officer of Navitas Naturals. As a result, we are expanding our voluntary recall to include a broader date range of products. Our business depends on providing safe and healthy food and we will not take chances with our consumer’s wellbeing. Because of this priority, in an abundance of caution, we have deliberately and voluntarily expanded this recall. Based on information from CDC we are not aware of any reported illnesses associated with the products included in this expanded date range.”If you’ve purchased any of these products, do not eat them, obviously. The CDC suggests you throw them out immediately—even if you’ve already eaten some of it and have not become ill—or return the product to the store where it was purchased.Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection, according to the CDC. The illness usually lasts four to seven days and in some cases, is severe enough to warrant hospitalization.Share this with all the chia lovers in your life!

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