The Kane County Health Department is alerting residents to the announcement that Navitas Naturals, the Superfood Company, is voluntarily recalling products which contain Organic Sprouted Chia Powder due to possible health risks related to Salmonella contamination.

The CDC reports that, as of June 2, 2014, a total of 17 persons infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Newport (12 persons) or Salmonella Hartford (5 persons) have been reported from 10 states: Arizona (1), California (2), Connecticut (2), Ohio (1), Florida (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (1), New York (4), Utah (1), and Wisconsin (3).

The irony, of course, is that that the Chia product is a popular staple for an “anti-cancer kitchen,” because it’s high in Omega 3 fatty acids, according to the “Glowing Older” blog.

The affected products were distributed nationally and include:

• Navitas Naturals Organic Sprouted Chia Powder, 8oz, UPC 858847000369 with best buy dates from 04/30/2015 through 09/05/2015
• Navitas Naturals Omega Blend Sprouted Smoothie Mix, 8oz, UPC 858847000314 with best buy dates from 07/29/2015 through 09/19/2015
• Williams-Sonoma Omega 3 Smoothie Mixer, 8 oz, SKU 506436 with best buy dates from 09/12/2015 through 10/02/2015

“We have chosen to voluntarily recall products containing Organic Sprouted Chia Powder with the goal of utmost safety for our consumers” stated Zach Adelman, Navitas Naturals CEO.

No other Navitas Naturals products are affected by this recall.

Consumers who have purchased this item are urged to not eat the product, and to dispose of it or return it to the store where it was originally purchased.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, 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.

The company is working closely with FDA and California Department of Public Health on this issue. “Ensuring the premium quality of the superfoods we provide is our highest priority,” said Adelman.” We stand behind the safety and integrity of our products and their valuable superfood nutrients,” confirmed Adelman.

Customers with questions or who would like product replacements or refunds may contact 888-886-3879 between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday.