Canada finds Salmonella in chia and flax seed powder samples

Health Matters America of Cheektowaga, NY, Saturday recalled specific lots of Organic traditions SPROUTED FLAX SEED POWDER and Organic traditions SPROUTED CHIA & FLAX SEED POWDER because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, a pathogen that poises a danger to human health.

Random samples of the recalled products were taken by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) from retail stores in Canada and subsequently tested positive for Salmonella. CFIA then notified the supplier. Health Matters America Inc. had received the affected lots. As soon as Health Matters America was made aware of this situation by their supplier, the company ceased packaging and distribution of the lots.  The CFIA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Matters America continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Organic traditions Sprouted Chia Seed Powder and Organic traditions Sprouted Chia & Flax Seed Powder were distributed nationwide in flexible plastic bags.

Here is a list of the recalled products and lots:
• Organic traditions SPROUTED FLAX SEED POWDER, NET WT. 8 oz./227g, UPC barcode 854260006261; Lots AHM626151103 Exp. 09/2017, AHM626151229 Exp.10/2017 (lot number located near UPC barcode on back of bag);
• Organic traditions SPROUTED CHIA & FLAX SEED POWDER, NET WT. 8 oz./227g; UPC barcode 854260006216; Lots AHM621151217 Exp. 10/2017; AHM621151229 Exp. 10/2017 (lot number located near UPC barcode on back of bag);
• Organic traditions SPROUTED CHIA & FLAX SEED POWDER, NET WT. 16oz./454g bag, UPC barcode 854260005479; Lot AHM547151217 Exp. 10/2017 (lot number located near UPC barcode on back of bag).

While no illnesses have yet been associated with the recall, Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Others infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Consumers who purchased the affected products/lots should return them to place of purchase for a full refund.

 

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