Popular supplement sold at Whole Foods and Amazon recalled over salmonella concerns

A widely used dietary supplement known for its stress-reducing and sleep-enhancing properties is being recalled due to potential salmonella contamination. This bacteria poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Infection can lead to severe dehydration and, in some cases, may spread to the bloodstream, infecting various tissues throughout the body.

The product in question is ashwagandha capsules, which are sold at Whole Foods and online through Amazon. The recall affects one specific lot (# 2025-26227) of the 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules. These capsules are packaged in white plastic bottles containing 120 pills, with both the lot number and an expiration date of October 13, 2028, printed on the bottom of each bottle.

The capsules were available for purchase nationwide from November 24, 2025, until October 20, 2026. Customers who have purchased this product are advised not to consume it; instead, they should dispose of it safely and not return it to the store. Refunds can be obtained at any Whole Foods Market location, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For further inquiries, consumers can reach out to Vitality Works Inc., the manufacturer based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at (505) 268-9950.

As of now, no illnesses linked to this recall have been reported. The potential contamination was discovered during routine sampling of a retail unit, although the FDA did not confirm that a positive salmonella test was found.

Ashwagandha is a plant native to parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Its roots are traditionally dried and ground into powder for various uses, especially in Ayurvedic medicine. Some studies suggest that ashwagandha can effectively lower levels of stress and anxiety, as well as improve sleep quality and duration.

Salmonella can contaminate plants like ashwagandha either before harvesting or during processing. The bacteria can remain dormant for extended periods, sometimes for months or years, and can cause illness once ingested. This poses a significant concern for food manufacturers, as salmonella has been shown to survive in dried herbs and spices, such as ginger.

Once ingested, salmonella multiplies in the small intestine, triggering an immune response that can lead to symptoms like cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases can result in dehydration, which may become critical. The infection can also cause damage to the digestive tract, leading to tearing or bleeding. If salmonella enters the bloodstream, it can lead to life-threatening conditions, affecting the brain, spinal cord, heart, bones, and urinary tract.

Typical treatments for salmonella infections focus on preventing dehydration, often involving intravenous fluids, anti-diarrheal medications such as Imodium, and antibiotics, although many individuals recover without requiring these treatments. In the United States, approximately 1.35 million people are infected with salmonella each year, making it one of the leading causes of foodborne illnesses. This recall of ashwagandha is part of a broader trend of salmonella-related recalls that have occurred throughout the year.

In August, for instance, a recall was issued for jalapeños and fresh produce from Sinaloa, which led to the withdrawal of various products, including salsas and pico de gallo, from retailers such as Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and H-E-B.