On February 12, the recall for RAW Meal Organic Shake & Meal was expanded by Garden of Life, LLC. The recalled lots are in addition to the original recall on January 29. The recall affects multiple flavors of shake mix, including chocolate, original, vanilla, and vanilla chai. A full list of recalled products can be found here. Investigators have concluded that the ingredient responsible for the outbreak is organic moringa leaf powder. As a result of the investigation, Garden of Life LLC has removed the powder from mix, which should help prevent future outbreaks.
The recalled powder was linked to an outbreak of Salmonella Virchow earlier this month. The CDC has reported that as of February 1st, 11 people have been sickened across 9 states. Only 1 person has had to be hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. States affected by the outbreak include Minnesota with 2 cases, New Jersey with 2 cases, New Mexico with 1 case, Ohio with 1 case, Oklahoma with 1 case, Oregon with 1 case, Tennessee with 1 case, Utah with 1 case, and Wisconsin with 1 case.
Any shake mix subjected to the recall should be disposed of immediately. Any mix not included in the recall is safe to consume. If recalled mix is consumed, it may cause a Salmonella Virchow infection. These infections develop over the course of 72 hours. Once the infection develops it will present symptoms including fever, nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you or a loved one begins to show the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning, contact a medical professional. Many cases of Salmonella go away on their own, but sometimes the infection can worsen and linger. The elderly, children, and those with suppressed immune systems are at the greatest risk of developing a serious Salmonella infection.
