CDC, FDA Investigate Extensively Drug-Resistant Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Rosabella Moringa Capsules
CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of drug-resistant Salmonella linked to Rosabella moringa capsules. Seven people in seven states are infected; three hospitalized; no deaths.
CDC, FDA, and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of extensively drug-resistant Salmonella infections linked to certain lots of Rosabella brand moringa powder capsules. To date, 7 people in 7 states have been infected. There have been 3 hospitalizations and no deaths. One Washington resident from King County has been included in the outbreak.
The Salmonella strain associated with this outbreak is resistant to all first-line and alternative antibiotics commonly recommended for the treatment of Salmonella infections. This strain also might be resistant to multiple β-lactam antibiotics, including meropenem and other carbapenems, because it carries an NDM-1 carbapenemase gene.
This outbreak is linked to certain lots of Rosabella brand moringa powder capsules distributed by Ambrosia Brands LLC. The recalled product is sold in white plastic bottles with a green label, with 52 lot codes and expiration dates in 2027. It was available nationwide primarily online on the company’s website (tryrosabella.com), Amazon, TikTok Shop, Shein, and eBay, and through links on social media, including Facebook.
Consumers should not eat any recalled Rosabella Moringa powder capsules. Throw them away or return them to where they were bought. Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled moringa powder capsules using hot soapy water or a dishwasher. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F, diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving, bloody diarrhea, or signs of dehydration. Retailers should not sell or serve the recalled capsules and should wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with them.
Recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak. The true number of sick people in this outbreak is also likely much higher than the number reported. This outbreak is not related to CDC's other investigation from January of a Salmonella outbreak linked to dietary supplements containing moringa leaf powder. CDC and FDA continue to work to identify if there are other products causing illness in this outbreak.
Most people with Salmonella infection recover without antibiotics. If antibiotics are needed, infections with this strain may not be treatable with commonly recommended antibiotics and may require a different antibiotic choice. Tailor antibiotic treatment to antimicrobial susceptibility testing results when possible. Consider consultation with an infectious disease specialist for management of patients with extensively drug-resistant or complicated Salmonella infection.