Drug-Resistant Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Moringa Supplements Ends, Root Cause Remains Unknown
An outbreak linked to moringa powder capsules contaminated with “extensively drug-resistant” strains of Salmonella has ended with ten illnesses in eight states. There were three hospitalizations and no deaths reported.
The implicated supplements were sold under the Rosabella brand and distributed by Ambrosia Brands LLC.
The Salmonella Newport and Salmonella Kentucky strains identified in the outbreak are resistant to all first-line and alternative antibiotics commonly recommended for the treatment of Salmonella infections.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) outbreak investigation has ended, but preventive efforts to screen imported moringa through sample collection are ongoing.
Outbreak Investigation and Recall Details
Onset of illnesses ranged from September 26, 2025, to January 8, 2026. Of the eight people interviewed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seven (88 percent) reported eating Rosabella-brand moringa powder capsules.
FDA and state partners collected product and ingredient samples for analysis. The Indiana Department of Health collected unopened product samples from a sick person’s home. This sample tested positive for Salmonella Newport, which was matched via whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis to the outbreak strain.
FDA also conducted traceback and inspections as part of the outbreak investigation and was not able to determine a source of contamination. However, FDA did identify that the affected moringa powder came from a single supplier. All Rosabella-brand moringa products from the supplier that were manufactured with moringa powder were recalled.
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Ambrosia Brands LLC recalled certain lots of Rosabella-brand moringa powder capsules on February 13, 2026, including product that tested positive for Salmonella. Recalled products were available for sale nationwide and internationally. Although recalled products should no longer be on the market, it does have a long shelf life; therefore, FDA advises retailers and consumers to check for recalled product and throw it away. A list of recalled product lots can be found here.
Second Moringa–Salmonella Outbreak Closed Within a Month
On March 18, FDA closed another outbreak investigation involving moringa powder contaminated with Salmonella (S. Newport and S. Typhimurium). No root cause was identified in the earlier outbreak, which sickened 97 people from 32 states. There were 26 hospitalizations and no deaths.
Moringa Supply Chains Under Scrutiny
These recent contamination incidents involving moringa products have brought attention to a broader issue that affects many botanical ingredients used in the global natural health industry. While moringa has gained widespread popularity for its nutritional profile and potential wellness benefits, these outbreaks highlight vulnerabilities that can arise when supply chains lack sufficient transparency, testing protocols, and oversight.
In light of recent moringa contamination events, an expert-authored column written for the March 17 Food Safety Digest examines where problems can emerge in botanical ingredient supply chains and how companies can better protect consumer safety. Read it here.
