Supplements sold at Sam's Club nationwide linked to salmonella outbreak: FDA

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Nearly a dozen cases of salmonella in seven states have been linked to powdered supplements sold at Sam's Club, health officials announced on Friday.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating illnesses connected to Member's Mark Super Greens Powder Supplements, which were sold at the wholesale chain nationwide and online.

The CDC said the products have been removed from store shelves because they contain moringa leaf powder that may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.

Illnesses connected to using the product have been reported in Kansas, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, New York and Michigan. Three people who contracted salmonella were hospitalized, according to the CDC.

The FDA's investigation revealed the salmonella was traced to a single lot of organic moringa leaf powder imported from Vallon Farm Direct in Jodhpur, India.

Michigan and Virginia health officials collected and tested samples of the product from the homes of people who contracted the illness.

Research from the National Institutes of Health says Moringa is a plant native to India and other countries that is known for having essential nutrients such as protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

The CDC says salmonella can cause symptoms that include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Infections can be severe in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, who may require hospitalization, the agency said.

The CDC noted in its report that more Vallon Farm products containing moringa leaf powder may be added to its list to avoid as the investigation continues.