Salmonella-tainted food supplement warning

The Ministry of Health, Seniors and Environment would like the public to be aware of the possibility that a contaminated food supplement may have been exported to Bermuda. 

The products made by Navitas Naturals contain Organic Sprouted Chia Powder, and have been found to be contaminated with strains of Salmonella bacteria which can cause diarrheal illness.  The product has been recalled by the manufacturer and an import alert has been issued by the US Food & Drug Administration.    For further information on the specifics of the recalled products, go to the US FDA website:

http://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm399235.htm

Officials in the Ministry have alerted local food stores, but it would be important that the general public take note of the risk as the product may be able to be purchased online or from smaller establishments on the island.  Chia powder is a common ingredient in smoothies. 

If you have access to the affected products it would be advisable to not further consume them.  If you believe that you have consumed the affected products, and have become ill with diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and/or fever, please seek medical advice from your healthcare provider. 

Salmonella illness is usually self-limiting, occurring 12 to 72 hours after infection and lasting 4 to 7 days.  Full recovery usually occurs in healthy individuals.  Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.