A widely promoted herbal supplement often marketed as a nutrient powerhouse is now at the center of a serious public health investigation. Federal authorities have linked a multistate outbreak of highly drug-resistant Salmonella infections to moringa powder capsules sold in the United States.
According to a report published by Drugs.com and based on findings from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, seven confirmed cases across seven states have been tied to contaminated moringa supplement products. Health officials warn that this particular strain of Salmonella is resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics, raising concerns about treatment options if infections become severe.
This article explores what happened, which products are affected, symptoms to watch for, and what consumers should do next.
On February 13, federal health officials announced that a cluster of Salmonella infections had been traced to moringa powder capsules distributed by Ambrosia Brands, LLC under the Rosabella brand name.
The outbreak has affected individuals in Washington, Arizona, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, and Florida. Although seven cases may seem limited in number, health experts emphasize that drug resistant bacterial strains present a higher risk because they can be significantly harder to treat.
Laboratory testing revealed that the Salmonella strain involved in this outbreak does not respond to the antibiotics typically used for treatment. While many Salmonella infections resolve without medical intervention, antibiotic-resistant infections pose a serious threat if the bacteria enter the bloodstream or spread beyond the digestive system.
Of the seven confirmed cases, three individuals required hospitalization. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported at this time.
Salmonella infections generally cause symptoms such as:
In healthy individuals, symptoms often improve within several days without specific treatment. However, when a strain is resistant to antibiotics, doctors have fewer therapeutic options if complications develop.
If Salmonella spreads into the bloodstream, it can cause more serious conditions, including bloodstream infections that require aggressive medical intervention. Drug resistance increases the risk of prolonged illness, hospitalization, and potentially life-threatening complications.
Health officials emphasize that individuals experiencing severe symptoms should inform their healthcare providers about possible exposure to recalled moringa capsules, as this information can guide diagnostic testing and treatment decisions.
In response to the investigation, Ambrosia Brands, LLC initiated a voluntary recall of specific lots of Rosabella moringa powder capsules.
The recall applies to 60-count bottles with expiration dates ranging from March through November 2027. The affected products were primarily sold through the company’s official website.
The company stated that none of the impacted lots were distributed through its official Amazon store. However, it acknowledged that unauthorized third-party sellers on platforms such as eBay or Shein may have sold the recalled products.
In its public statement, the company announced that it has discontinued purchasing raw moringa leaf powder from the supplier associated with the affected lots. Consumers can find recalled lot numbers and product images in the official recall notice published by the FDA.
Customers with questions are encouraged to contact the company during business hours at 914 768 1357.
Moringa, often referred to as the "miracle tree," comes from the plant Moringa oleifera. It is native to parts of Africa and Asia and is widely promoted for its dense nutrient content. Moringa leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant compounds.
Moringa supplements are marketed for a variety of potential health benefits, including immune support, anti-inflammatory properties, and nutritional supplementation. While many people use moringa powder in smoothies or capsule form, it remains categorized as a dietary supplement, which means it is not regulated in the same way as prescription medications.
This outbreak highlights the importance of quality control and supply chain oversight in the supplement industry. Contamination can occur at multiple points during cultivation, harvesting, processing, or packaging.
Salmonella bacteria typically spread through contaminated food products such as poultry, eggs, and produce. However, dietary supplements made from plant materials can also become contaminated.
Possible contamination sources include:
Because supplements are often consumed without cooking or heat treatment, any bacteria present in the product may survive and cause infection.
Consumers should always purchase supplements from reputable sources and stay informed about recalls and safety alerts issued by federal agencies.
If you have taken the recalled moringa capsules, monitor for symptoms of Salmonella infection, especially within 6 to 72 hours after consumption. Symptoms may include:
In most cases, symptoms last four to seven days. However, individuals at higher risk of complications include:
Anyone experiencing severe symptoms, persistent high fever, dehydration, or signs of bloodstream infection should seek immediate medical attention.
If you have a bottle of Rosabella brand moringa powder capsules with expiration dates between March and November 2027, check the lot number against the FDA recall notice.
If your product is part of the recall:
Even if you feel well, it is wise to remain vigilant for symptoms over the following days after use.
This outbreak underscores an ongoing challenge in the dietary supplement market. While supplements can offer nutritional benefits, they are not subject to the same premarket approval process as prescription drugs.
Regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration monitor safety issues and issue recalls when contamination or health risks are identified. However, consumers play an important role by staying informed, purchasing from reputable vendors, and reporting adverse reactions.
Drug-resistant bacteria remain a growing global health concern. Outbreaks involving resistant strains highlight the need for continued surveillance, improved manufacturing standards, and responsible antibiotic use.
Moringa has gained popularity for its impressive nutritional profile, but this recent drug-resistant Salmonella outbreak serves as a reminder that even natural or plant-based supplements can carry risks.
Seven confirmed infections across seven states, including three hospitalizations, prompted a voluntary recall and a federal investigation. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported. However, the antibiotic resistant nature of the bacteria raises legitimate concerns about treatment complexity.
Consumers who use dietary supplements should remain informed about recalls and consult healthcare professionals if they experience unusual symptoms. When it comes to health products, safety and quality assurance are just as important as nutritional value.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February 2026.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Statistical data reflects general trends and may not apply to individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding personal medical concerns or decisions.
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