Health authorities in the United States have issued an urgent nationwide recall for a popular dietary supplement powder linked to a dangerous salmonella outbreak that has already sickened dozens of people.
Investigation and Nationwide Recall
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are jointly investigating the outbreak, which has been traced to Live it Up-brand Super Greens dietary supplement powder. In response, the New York-based manufacturer, Superfoods Inc., voluntarily recalled its products on Wednesday.
The recall affects the original and wild berry flavours with expiration dates ranging from August 2026 through January 2028. The action was taken following a direct recommendation from the FDA and CDC to remove the potentially contaminated products from store shelves.
Scale of the Outbreak and Health Risks
According to data collected by the CDC, 45 people across 21 states have been infected with the salmonella strain connected to this outbreak. The cases occurred between 22 August 2025 and 30 December 2025. Of those infected, 20 individuals reported consuming the recalled supplements.
The outbreak has led to 12 hospitalisations, though no deaths have been reported at this time. The states with confirmed cases are: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Salmonella is a potentially deadly bacteria that sickens over 1.3 million Americans annually, leading to approximately 26,500 hospitalisations and 400 deaths. Infection typically causes symptoms including bloody diarrhoea, fever, stomach cramps, and vomiting, which begin six hours to six days after exposure.
Official Advice and Ongoing Investigation
The FDA has issued a stark warning to consumers who have purchased the affected Live it Up Super Greens powders: do not consume them. Officials urge the public to either dispose of the products immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
To prevent further spread of the bacteria, the CDC also recommends thoroughly washing and sanitising any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the powder. The investigation remains active, with the FDA cautioning that additional products may yet be found to be contaminated.
While most healthy adults recover from salmonella infection within four to seven days without specific treatment, the illness poses a severe risk to young children, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In these vulnerable groups, the infection can lead to serious bloodstream infections requiring hospital care.
