SACRAMENTO – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Ron Chapman has warned people not to eat Navitas Naturals Organic Sprouted Chia Powder, Navitas Naturals Omega Blend Sprouted Smoothie Mix, and Williams-Sonoma Omega 3 Smoothie Mixer because they may be contaminated with salmonella.

As of May 27, 2014, 12 patients infected with the same rare strain of Salmonella have been reported in the United States, including two patients from Southern California.

One case-patient in another state has been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. Interviews conducted with case patients suggest that chia powder may be the source of the illness cluster.

Navitas Naturals of Novato has initiated a voluntary recall of the following products due to the potential for Salmonella contamination. The products were sold nationally through retail grocery stores, natural food markets, and via on-line sales.

• Navitas Naturals Organic Sprouted Chia Powder (8 oz.); best buy date, 04/30/2015 through 09/05/2015;
• Navitas Naturals Omega Blend Sprouted Smoothie Mix (8 oz.); best buy date, 07/29/2015 through 09/19/2015;
• Williams-Sonoma Omega 3 Smoothie Mixer (8 oz.), best buy date, 09/12/2015 through 10/02/2015.

While Navitas Naturals has notified retailers of the recall and asked that the product be removed from store shelves, CDPH is concerned that consumers may still have some of these products in their homes. Consumers in possession of these recalled products should discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea which may be bloody.

Most infected people recover within a week. Some may develop complications that require hospitalization. Infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for more severe illness.

CDPH recommends consumers experiencing any ill effects after consuming these products consult their health care provider.

Consumers that observe the product being offered for sale are encouraged to report the activity to the CDPH toll free complaint line at 800-495-3232.