Two separate food safety crises are unfolding simultaneously, affecting everything from nutritional supplements to infant formula. A multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to moringa leaf powder has infected 65 people across 28 states, with 14 hospitalizations, while a botulism outbreak in powdered infant formula sickened 48 infants before being declared over in February 2026. Understanding which products are affected and what symptoms to watch for could protect your family. Which Supplements and Formula Products Are Being Recalled? The Salmonella outbreak centers on two specific products containing moringa leaf powder, an ingredient marketed as a superfood. Live It Up Super Greens supplement powders in Original and Wild Berry flavors, with expiration dates ranging from August 2026 to January 2028, have been recalled. Additionally, Why Not Natural Pure Organic Moringa Green Superfood capsules, specifically lot number A25G051 with an expiration date of 07/2028, are part of the recall. The infant formula crisis involved ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, which made up approximately 1 percent of all infant formula sold in the United States. All lots of ByHeart formula cans and single-serve "anywhere pack" sticks have been recalled due to contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces a dangerous toxin. The good news: the outbreak has ended, and the FDA has confirmed there are no current shortage concerns for infant formula. What Symptoms Should Concern You? Salmonella infection, called salmonellosis, causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, chills, and abdominal cramping. Illness typically lasts several days, but people can spread the infection to others even after symptoms resolve. Infant botulism presents differently and more seriously: infants may develop constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, and difficulty swallowing, which can progress to difficulty breathing and respiratory arrest. Symptoms can take as long as several weeks to develop after formula ingestion. For Salmonella, seek immediate medical attention if you experience diarrhea with a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, diarrhea lasting more than three days that is not improving, bloody diarrhea, or vomiting so severe you cannot keep liquids down. Signs of dehydration, such as infrequent urination, dry mouth and throat, or dizziness when standing up, also warrant urgent care. Steps to Protect Your Family From Contaminated Products - Check Your Pantry Immediately: Search your home for Live It Up Super Greens powders (Original or Wild Berry flavors with expiration dates August 2026 to January 2028) and Why Not Natural Pure Organic Moringa Green Superfood capsules (lot A25G051, expiration 07/2028). Do not consume these products. - Dispose of Recalled Items Safely: Throw away any recalled dietary supplements or return them to the retailer where you purchased them. Do not attempt to use them or donate them to others. - Clean Contaminated Surfaces: Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled dietary supplements using hot soapy water or a dishwasher to prevent cross-contamination. - Monitor for Symptoms: If you or a family member consumed a recalled product, watch for Salmonella symptoms (fever, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramping) and seek medical attention if they develop or worsen. - Practice Food Safety Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, touching animals, and before eating or preparing food to reduce Salmonella transmission risk. Why Are Powdered Supplements and Infant Formula Vulnerable to Contamination? Powdered products, whether supplements or infant formula, present unique food safety challenges because they are not heated to temperatures that kill harmful bacteria before consumption. Moringa leaf powder, sourced from plants grown in various countries, can become contaminated during harvesting, processing, or storage if proper sanitation protocols are not followed. The FDA investigation into the ByHeart formula outbreak identified 17 different strains of Clostridium botulinum in samples from patients, finished products, and ingredients, indicating the contamination likely occurred in raw ingredients or during manufacturing. The complexity of detecting Clostridium botulinum in infant formula has made root cause determination challenging. As of February 26, 2026, the FDA had not yet determined the specific cause of the ByHeart outbreak, though whole genome sequencing analysis linked isolates from organic whole milk powder, finished formula, and clinical samples. This underscores how contamination can enter the supply chain at multiple points, from ingredient sourcing through final product manufacturing. What Should Parents Do About Infant Formula Safety? Parents and caregivers should stop using any ByHeart infant formula products immediately if they have them at home. If your child consumed ByHeart formula and is experiencing symptoms such as poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or decreased facial expression, seek immediate medical attention. Botulism can be fatal, and early intervention is critical. If your child consumed ByHeart formula but is not currently showing symptoms, continue monitoring them and seek medical attention if symptoms develop. The FDA emphasizes that the ByHeart recall does not create a shortage of infant formula in the United States. Parents can confidently switch to other formula brands without concern about availability. Retailers should ensure recalled product is not on store shelves, including product that has been returned by customers, so verify that any formula you purchase is not part of the recall. How Can You Report Suspected Foodborne Illness? If you suspect you or a family member has been sickened by a recalled product, report it to your healthcare provider and local health authorities. In Washington State, residents can use the Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS) to report suspected foodborne illness or file a complaint about unsafe food handling practices. The CDC and FDA also accept reports of suspected outbreaks. Reporting helps public health officials track the scope of contamination and prevent additional illnesses. These two outbreaks highlight the importance of staying informed about food recalls and understanding which products in your home may pose a risk. Check your pantry today, monitor your family for symptoms, and do not hesitate to seek medical care if you suspect exposure to a contaminated product.
