Chia Seed Salmonella Lawsuit

In recent years, stores like Whole Foods and Walmart have recalled chia seeds due to Salmonella contamination.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Chia Seed Salmonella cases in all 50 states. If you got sick from chia seeds that were recalled for Salmonella, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

UPDATE: Navitas Organics Recalls Chia Seeds for Salmonella Risk

In January 2026, Navitas Organics announced a recall for certain 8-oz. stand-up pouches of Organic Chia Seeds that may be contaminated with Salmonella, a food poisoning bacteria.

The product was distributed nationwide in retail stores like Whole Foods Market, and also online retailers, including Amazon.

No illnesses were reported. Instead, Navitas Organics said it announced the recall “as a precautionary measure following a recall initiated by the company’s chia seed supplier.”

The recalled chia seeds can be identified with the following information:

Navitas Organics – Organic Chia Seeds, 8oz, UPC 858847000284
Lot Codes (9-digit codes starting with “W”) are printed on the back of the chia seed bag above the nutritional information. The Lot Codes included in this recall are:

W31025283 – Best If Used By: End APR 2027
W31025286 – Best If Used By: End APR 2027
W31025287 – Best If Used By: End APR 2027
W31025311 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027
W31025314 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027
W31025315 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027
W31025316 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027
W31025317 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027

Walmart Recalls Chia Seeds for Salmonella Risk

Chia seeds have been a recurrent source of recalls and outbreaks involving Salmonella contamination. For example, in May 2024 Walmart announced a recall for certain 32-oz. bags of Great Value Organic Chia Seeds due to a risk of Salmonella contamination. No illnesses were reported.

June 2014 Chia Seed Salmonella Outbreak

In June 2014, at least 21 people in the U.S. got sick in an outbreak of Salmonella that was linked to organic sprouted chia seed powder. Recalls were announced by Green Smoothie Girl and other brands, including Navitas Naturals, Organic Traditions, Williams-Sonoma, and more.

Chia Seed Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 63 People in Canada

The outbreak was far more severe in Canada, where sprouted chia seed powder was linked to 63 cases of Salmonella in June 2014, according to Public Health Canada. Four different strains of Salmonella were linked to the outbreak. No deaths were reported, but 12 people were hospitalized with a severe illness.

Why Is Salmonella a Problem in Dry Foods?

Salmonella is a bacteria that can survive on dry foods like chia seeds and spices. These foods have a long shelf-life. Salmonella can survive on dried foods for years due to low moisture.

When added as seasonings to foods that are not cooked, such as smoothies, the contaminated chia seeds can potentially cause Salmonella. To reduce the risk of food poisoning, cook food to an internal temperature of at least 165ºF and use proper sanitation.

Signs & Symptoms of Salmonella

If you are infected with Salmonella, the symptoms may include:

Diarrhea (may be bloody)
Fever
Stomach pains or cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Other symptoms

Do I Have a Chia Seed Salmonella Lawsuit?

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