Walmart-brand chia seeds recalled over high salmonella risk

Great Value chia seeds Walmart recall overview: 

• Who: Federal food safety watchdogs have upgraded the risk alert on a recall of Great Value Organic Black Chia Seeds sold at Walmart stores​​. 
• Why: The chia seeds potentially contain salmonella.
• Where: The chia seed recall is active across the United States.

The United States food safety watchdog has upgraded the risk alert on a recall of chia seeds sold at Walmart stores nationwide, Food & Wine reports.

On May 13, Natural Sourcing International recalled one lot of its 32-ounce Great Value Organic Black Chia Seeds sold at Walmart stores due to potential salmonella contamination.

On June 28, the FDA reportedly gave it a Class 1 risk classification, which means the recall involves a “situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

Salmonella bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and those with weakened immune systems. It can cause fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain in healthy persons, the chia seed recall says.

Natural Sourcing International says it has not received any reports of illness related to the recall so far. The company is not currently facing legal action over the recall, but Top Class Actions follows recalls closely as they sometimes lead to class action lawsuits.

Check your kitchen for recalled seeds

The chia seed recall includes products with a lot code of 24095 C018, expiration date of Oct. 30, 2026, and a Universal Product Code of 078742300665.

The chia seed products included in the Walmart recall can be identified by the main label on the pouch and a lot number printed on the bottom of the package’s back panel.

Consumers should throw out the chia seeds and contact National Sourcing International for a replacement by calling customer service at 818-405-9705 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or emailing the company at customerservice@organically-simple.com, the recall states.

Meanwhile, a limited amount of Great Value Honey Roasted Cashews distributed to stores in 30 states were part of an allergy recall for undeclared coconut and milk in March.

Are you affected by the Great Value recall? Let us know in the comments. 

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Recall announced for halal chicken products due to potential listeria contamination
• Tuna buyers reach $1B price-fixing settlement with StarKist
• Trader Joe’s class action claims grocer falsely advertises bagels as gluten-free
• Recall issued for salmon slices sold at Kroger, Pay Less