Recalled batches of chia seeds have been given the highest risk classification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Natural Sourcing International's Great Value Organic Black Chia Seeds have been recalled due to potential salmonella contamination, one of the country's leading causes of food poisoning. The product was sold in 32oz packages in Walmart stores in 12 states.
Read more: What Is a Health Savings Account?
The items have now been given a Class I risk classification by the FDA. A Class I recall, the highest risk level, is issued when there is a "reasonable probability" that the use of, or exposure to, a product could "cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
The products were first recalled on May 10 this year and were classified by the FDA on June 28.
The following lot codes and best by dates are subject to the recall:
- 24095 C018 BB: 30 October, 2026
- 24096 C018 BB: 30 October, 2026
- 24092 C018 BB: 30 October, 2026
The items are also identifiable by their green, white and purple scheme, with an image of chia seeds and a wooden spoon.
The affected items were distributed in stores in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin only.
Read more: Compare the Top Health Savings Account (HSA) Providers
Symptoms of salmonella infection often include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, headaches and fever, and can begin anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure. While symptoms are unpleasant, infections are usually mild, and most people recover within a few days without needing medical treatment.
While salmonella poisoning isn't usually life-threatening, it can sometimes pose a more serious risk for more vulnerable patients. Those under 12 months old, over 65 years old or with weakened immune system are at particular risk of salmonella entering the bloodstream, which can lead to severe health conditions—such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis—that may require a stay in hospital.
There have been several recalls recently linked with potential salmonella contamination. One salmonella outbreak in cucumber products has been linked with untreated canal water, with just under 450 people across 31 U.S. states reported fall ill earlier this year—125 of which were hospitalized.
Read more: Find the Right Type of Savings Account for Your Needs
This week, batches of macadamia nuts sold in New York were found to be contaminated with salmonella, as well as chocolate products sold in nine other U.S. states.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that more than 1 million people in the U.S. contract salmonella annually.
Consumers with questions regarding the recall of the chia seed products can contact Natural Sourcing International, by calling Customer Service at 1-818-405-9705 Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST or emailing the company at customerservice@organically-simple.com.
About the writer
Aliss Higham is a Newsweek reporter based in Glasgow, Scotland. Her focus is reporting on issues across the U.S., including ... Read more
