In the U.S., health authorities are recalling dietary supplements linked to a salmonella outbreak that has affected at least 45 people. Salmonella infections typically result from consuming contaminated food.
Superfoods Company’s Live It Up Product: Do Not Consume, Discard or Return Immediately
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Global Infectious Disease Trends report released on Monday, covering January 16-22, a total of 45 salmonella infections linked to Superfoods’ dietary supplement Live It Up were reported across 21 U.S. states as of January 14. Of these cases, 12 required hospitalization, but no deaths have been reported.
However, since salmonella infections can often resolve naturally without medical intervention, the actual number of cases may be higher and more widespread than reported. The onset of symptoms in documented cases ranged from August 22 to December 30 of last year, with the possibility that more recent cases have yet to be reported.
In a food consumption survey conducted among 20 individuals who fell ill, 16 (80%) confirmed consuming the product in question during the week prior to symptom onset. This strongly suggests that the contaminated product may be the source of the outbreak. Laboratory analyses have shown genetic similarities among pathogens isolated from patient samples, further supporting the likelihood of a common food source.
On January 15, the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public notice regarding this situation. They strongly advised consumers to avoid consuming the product, return it to the place of purchase, or dispose of it immediately. The agencies also recommended thoroughly cleaning any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the product and urged individuals experiencing symptoms of salmonella infection to seek medical attention promptly.
The recall specifically targets Superfoods’ Live It Up products with expiration dates ranging from August 2023 to January 2028. The CDC and FDA emphasized the importance of cleaning any potentially contaminated surfaces or items with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.
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Salmonella infections, caused by non-typhoidal Salmonella bacteria, typically see an uptick in reported cases during warmer months. Symptoms to watch for include diarrhea, fever exceeding 39°C (about 102.2°F), persistent diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement, bloody stools, and severe vomiting leading to dehydration due to inability to retain fluids.
While infection commonly occurs through consumption of contaminated foods such as eggs and meat, most individuals recover within 5-7 days with proper hydration. However, infants, adults over 65, and those with compromised immune systems may require antibiotic treatment due to the risk of severe complications.
As of the second week of January, the total number of reported salmonella infections through the domestic intestinal infection surveillance system stands at 82. Weekly case numbers have been fluctuating below 50, with health officials noting a decrease compared to last summer’s figures.
The CDC continues to emphasize the importance of proper hand hygiene, recommending washing hands with soap and running water for at least 30 seconds. They also advise thoroughly cooking food and boiling water before consumption. The agency stresses the significance of hygienic food preparation practices in preventing infections and urges individuals to seek medical attention if symptoms such as vomiting occur after eating.