The Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday that Superfoods Inc., doing business as Live it Up of New York, New York, has issued a voluntary recall of all Live it Up Super Greens products due to possible contamination with Salmonella bacteria. The recall affects both Original and Wild Berry flavors with lot numbers beginning with the letter 'A' and all stick pack products.
Salmonella is a dangerous pathogen that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or 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 such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.
The recalled Live it Up Super Greens products are dietary supplements marketed as nutrient-rich powder blends. These products are typically consumed by mixing the powder with water or other beverages as part of health and wellness routines. The contamination risk affects both flavor varieties currently distributed by the company.
Consumers who have purchased Live it Up Super Greens products should immediately check the lot numbers on their packages. Any products with lot numbers beginning with the letter 'A' should be discarded immediately and not consumed. All stick pack versions of the product, regardless of lot number, are also subject to the recall and should be disposed of safely.
The company has not yet disclosed how the potential contamination was discovered or the scope of distribution for the affected products. The FDA typically becomes involved in food safety recalls when there is evidence of contamination that could pose health risks to consumers.
Salmonella contamination in dietary supplements and food products is a recurring public health concern. The bacteria can survive in dry environments for extended periods, making powdered products particularly susceptible to contamination during manufacturing, packaging, or storage processes. Proper manufacturing controls and testing protocols are essential to prevent such contamination.
This recall highlights the importance of FDA oversight in the dietary supplement industry. While supplements are not subject to the same pre-market approval requirements as pharmaceutical drugs, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe and properly labeled before distribution.
Consumers who believe they may have become ill from consuming the recalled products should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically appear 12 to 72 hours after consumption and can last four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment, but severe cases may require hospitalization.
The recall notice advises consumers to stop using the affected products immediately. Those who have purchased Live it Up Super Greens products should retain their receipts and packaging for potential refund or replacement information, which the company is expected to provide.
Superfoods Inc. has not indicated whether this recall will expand to include other products in their line or additional lot numbers. The company operates under the Live it Up brand name and is based in New York.
This incident underscores the critical importance of robust quality control measures in supplement manufacturing. Companies in the dietary supplement industry must implement comprehensive testing protocols and maintain strict sanitation standards throughout their production processes to prevent contamination.
Consumers are advised to always check FDA recall announcements and company websites for the most current information about product safety. The FDA maintains an online database of recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts that consumers can access to stay informed about potential risks.
The agency encourages consumers to report any adverse reactions or illnesses suspected to be related to the consumption of recalled products. Such reports help the FDA track the scope of contamination and take appropriate enforcement actions to protect public health.
As this recall develops, consumers should monitor official FDA communications and company announcements for additional information about affected products, refund procedures, and any expansion of the recall to include other lots or products. The safety of dietary supplements depends on both regulatory oversight and consumer vigilance in responding to recall notices.