FDA Opens Third Salmonella–Moringa Outbreak Investigation of the Year
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reopened a foodborne illness outbreak investigation involving Salmonella-contaminated moringa powder supplements. At the same time, the agency has opened a new investigation into a separate Salmonella–moringa outbreak, marking the third outbreak caused by this pathogen–commodity pair in 2026.
Outbreak Investigation Reopened With 22 New Illnesses
First, FDA and CDC reopened an outbreak investigation that was originally closed on March 17 due to the discovery of new information. Since March 17, 22 additional people from four states have been infected with one of the outbreak strains of S. Typhimurium or S. Newport, bringing the total to 119 patients in 36 states, including 32 hospitalizations.
The list of recalled products has been expanded to include TNvitamins-brand Ultra Potent Complete Green Superfood Moringa capsules and Doctor’s Pride Complete Green Superfood Ultra Potent Moringa capsules distributed by Total Nutrition Inc. to retailers across the U.S.
FDA Announces Third Salmonella-Moringa Outbreak of 2026
On May 27, FDA announced it is investigating another multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections linked to MOGO-brand moringa powder capsules distributed by MOGO Moringa LLC of St. Louis, Missouri.
Based on epidemiological information collected by CDC, a total of 18 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 14 states. Illness onset ranges from February 3 to April 7, 2026. Of the eight people interviewed, six reported eating moringa powder capsules, including four who reported MOGO-brand moringa powder capsules. There have been seven hospitalizations, and no deaths have been reported.
MOGO Moringa LLC has recalled certain lots of MOGO-brand Pure Moringa Oleifera capsules. FDA is conducting a traceback investigation to determine the source of contamination and is working with state partners to collect samples.
Moringa Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Aside from the two currently open foodborne illness outbreak investigations involving Salmonella-contaminated moringa, FDA closed a third outbreak investigation in April 2026 regarding moringa supplements contaminated with “extensively drug-resistant” Salmonella.
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Three outbreaks in the same year involving moringa products shine a light on 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, recent contamination incidents highlight vulnerabilities that can arise when supply chains lack sufficient transparency, testing protocols, and oversight. Written for Food Safety Magazine in light of the uptick in moringa recalls, this expert-authored column examines where problems can emerge in botanical ingredient supply chains and how companies can better protect consumer safety.
Update, August 27, 2026: On July 15, FDA declared the outbreak of S. Typhimurium infections linked to MOGO-brand moringa powder capsules to be over. A total of 34 people infected with the outbreak strain were reported from 14 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from August 27, 2025, to June 21, 2026. One additional person, whose infant was sick with the outbreak strain, reported eating the moringa capsules while breastfeeding. Of the 17 people interviewed, 14 (82 percent) reported eating moringa powder capsules, including 11 who reported Mogo-brand moringa capsules. Of 25 people with information available, 11 were hospitalized. No deaths were reported
FDA and state partners conducted a traceback investigation, onsite inspections, and collected samples to determine a source of contamination. Based on traceback records, FDA learned that MOGO Moringa LLC sourced all of their moringa leaf powder from India. FDA sent investigators to the ingredient supplier and manufacturer for MOGO Moringa LLC. At the conclusion of both inspections, observations citing deficiencies were issued to both facilities.
Washington, Tennessee, and Florida state health department officials collected open containers of MOGO-brand moringa capsules, all of which tested positive for the outbreak strain.
FDA published an Executive Incident Summary (EIS) for this outbreak in August.
Update, August 27, 2026: On July 22, FDA declared the outbreak of S. Typhimurium, S. Newport, and S. Richmond infections linked to multiple brands of moringa supplements—including Live It Up, Why Not Natural, TNvitamins, and Doctor's Pride brands—to be over.
A total of 131 people infected with one of the outbreak strains were reported from 38 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from August 22, 2025, to June 14, 2026. Of 121 people with information available, 36 were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported.
Of the 84 ill people interviewed during the entire outbreak, 74 (88 percent) reported eating a product containing moringa leaf powder, including 63 who reported Live it Up Super Greens supplement powders only, five who reported Why Not Natural moringa powder capsules only, one person who reported consuming both Live it Up Super Greens supplement powder and Why Not Natural moringa powder capsules products, and five who reported TNVitamins moringa powder capsules only.
FDA and state partners from Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin collected finished product and ingredient samples from sick people’s homes and firms in the supply chain. A total of 12 samples tested positive for Salmonella, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis matched isolates from 11 samples to at least one of the outbreak strains.
To protect public health, FDA increased screening of imported moringa powder from India for Salmonella.
