Chia seeds sold under the Navitas Organics brand are being pulled from store shelves after concerns over possible salmonella contamination. The voluntary recall affects multiple lots sold through Whole Foods Market and Amazon, and impacts consumers across the United States.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that the company is working in cooperation with federal authorities after the contamination risk was identified by Navitas Organics’ supplier. While no illnesses have been reported, the recall is being handled as a precautionary measure to protect consumer health.
Multiple Chia Seed Lots Affected across the Country
The product in question is the Navitas Organics Organic Chia Seeds, packaged in 8-ounce stand-up pouches with the UPC code 858847000284. The recall applies specifically to lot codes beginning with “W”, located on the back of the pouch above the nutritional information panel.
According to the FDA, affected batches have best-by dates of either end of April 2027 or end of May 2027. The specific lot codes under recall include W31025283, W31025286, W31025287, W31025311, W31025314, W31025315, W31025316, and W31025317. The product was distributed nationwide, including through in-store purchases at Whole Foods and via online orders on Amazon.
The recall follows a notification from the company’s supplier, who alerted Navitas Organics to a potential salmonella exposure in the chia seeds. Although routine testing has not found the bacteria in the finished product, the company acted swiftly to remove the affected lots from circulation.
“We do not have any reports of Salmonella in our product at this time, nor have any illnesses or adverse medical events been reported or identified,” said the company in a public statement, as reported by Newsweek. No other Navitas Organics products have been included in the recall.
Salmonella Contamination Can Lead to Serious Health Risks
Salmonella is a common cause of foodborne illness, and while healthy individuals often recover without medical intervention, it can pose a serious health risk to certain groups. According to the FDA, young children, elderly individuals, and people with compromised immune systems may experience severe symptoms or complications if exposed.
Symptoms of salmonella infection typically include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, leading to more severe outcomes.
Customers who have purchased the recalled chia seeds are strongly advised not to consume them. According to FDA guidance, individuals should either discard the product safely or return it to the original place of purchase for a refund. Consumers seeking more information or product replacement can contact Navitas Organics directly at 855-215-5702, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
“Providing safe, healthy food for our customers is why we have been in business this long and it’s why we are recalling this product today,” said Navitas Organics CEO Ira Haber in a company announcement dated January 23. The company has also apologized for any inconvenience caused and confirmed its full cooperation with ongoing FDA procedures.
The FDA continues to monitor the situation and has reiterated that most recalls, including this one, are voluntary and initiated by the company. The agency plays a supervisory role, evaluating recall strategies and making information publicly accessible through its official channels.
