Supplements sold at Sam’s Club linked to salmonella outbreak
Sam’s Club stores are facing a health scare as federal authorities have linked their Member’s Mark Super Greens Powder Supplements to at least 11 cases of Salmonella across seven states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert stating that the powder supplements, containing moringa leaf powder possibly contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, have been removed from store shelves. The supplements were sold both in stores nationwide and online.
While the product has not been officially recalled, the CDC recommends that anyone who has purchased Member’s Mark Super Greens Powder Supplements should dispose of them or return them to the store. Three of the Salmonella cases resulted in hospitalization, and illnesses were reported between May and September in Florida, Kansas, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, South Carolina, and Virginia.
An investigation by the Food and Drug Administration traced the source of the Salmonella outbreak to a single lot of organic moringa leaf powder imported from Vallon Farm Direct in Jodhpur, India. State health officials in Virginia and Michigan collected and tested samples of the product from affected individuals’ homes.
The CDC is considering adding other products from Vallon Farm that contain moringa leaf powder to the list of items to avoid as the investigation continues. Moringa, a plant native to India, is known for its essential nutrients such as protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The leaves of the plant are often dried and powdered for use in supplements.
Salmonella infection can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In severe cases, it can cause arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications and may require hospitalization.
