A popular “superfood” supplement has turned into a super health risk for dozens of Americans across the country, federal health officials warned this week.
Forty-five people in 21 states have fallen ill with Salmonella infections linked to Live it Up Super Greens supplement powder, with 12 victims requiring hospitalization, according to a health alert issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The outbreak has prompted New York-based Superfoods, Inc., which does business as Live it Up, to recall its Super Greens dietary supplement powder in both original and wild berry flavors. The voluntary recall, announced January 14, covers products with expiration dates ranging from August 2026 to January 2028.
From Smoothie Boost to Hospital Bed
What started as a health-conscious addition to morning smoothies turned into weeks of misery for some consumers. The CDC reports that illnesses began appearing as early as August 22, 2025, with cases continuing through the end of December. Of the 20 sick people interviewed by investigators, 16 confirmed they had consumed the Live it Up-brand Super Greens powder before becoming ill.
“Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria,” the CDC explained. While many recover without treatment after about a week, certain groups face higher risks of severe illness, including young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems.
The affected products have been sold nationwide in retail stores and online. No deaths have been reported so far, but health officials are urging vigilance as more cases could emerge.
What Consumers Should Do
Got Super Greens in your pantry? Check those dates carefully. The FDA warns that consumers who purchased Live it Up Super Greens dietary supplement powder with expiration dates between August 2026 and January 2028 should immediately stop using the product.
Don’t just toss it in your trash, though. Health officials recommend either returning the product to the place of purchase or disposing of it properly to prevent others from accidentally consuming it.
And if you’ve already used the product? The CDC advises thoroughly washing any items that may have come in contact with the supplement using hot, soapy water or running them through a dishwasher cycle.
This isn’t the first time “health” supplements have been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks. Ironically, products marketed as health-boosters can sometimes harbor dangerous pathogens when manufacturing processes fail to eliminate contamination.
For those experiencing symptoms like severe diarrhea, fever over 102°F, or signs of dehydration after consuming these products, health officials recommend contacting a healthcare provider immediately and mentioning possible Salmonella exposure.
As the investigation continues, federal agencies are working to determine the exact source of contamination within the manufacturing process. Meanwhile, those morning green smoothies might need a different boost until the outbreak is fully contained.
