- Date of Recall: May 8, 2025
- Announced By: FDA on May 8, 2025
- Company: Advantage Health Matters Inc.
- Brand: Organic Traditions
- Product Recalled: Organic Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds (8 oz)
- Reason: Potential Salmonella contamination
- Packaging Details: Clear plastic bags, Lot #L250320200, Exp. Date: 05/02/2027
- Distribution: Retail and mail order in NY, NJ, and VA
- Action Needed: Return to place of purchase for refund or contact [email protected]
Stick around—let’s unpack this recall and what it means for bulk buyers and ingredient suppliers.
What happened?
On May 8, 2025, Advantage Health Matters Inc. issued a voluntary recall of its Organic Traditions Organic Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds after being alerted to potential Salmonella contamination. The warning stems from a recall issued by an upstream international supplier.
Though no illnesses have been reported, the product was distributed in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia both in-store and via mail orders. As a precaution, the company has paused production while the investigation continues.
Here’s a handy snapshot of the recalled product:
Brand | Product | Size | Lot Number | Best By Date | Issue |
Organic Traditions | Organic Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds | 8 oz | L250320200 | 05/02/2027 | Potential Salmonella risk |
What caused the issue?
The culprit? A possible Salmonella contamination introduced by an international supplier, triggering a proactive recall down the supply chain.
Why salmonella is serious business:
Salmonella is a foodborne bacterium that can cause a variety of gastrointestinal and systemic illnesses. While healthy individuals may recover without treatment, it poses significant risk to vulnerable groups, including:
- Young children
- Elderly adults
- Pregnant people
- Immunocompromised individuals
Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea (possibly bloody)
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches and fatigue
In severe cases, Salmonella can enter the bloodstream, leading to:
- Endocarditis (infection of the heart lining)
- Arterial infections
- Reactive arthritis
10 common questions you might have
- Is the recalled product safe to eat if I’ve already opened the package?
No. Even if the seeds look and smell fine, do not consume them. Salmonella contamination isn’t visible or detectable without lab testing. - What are the signs or symptoms if I’ve eaten contaminated pumpkin seeds?
Watch for fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps within 6–72 hours after consumption. - I ate some and feel fine—do I still need to see a doctor?
Not necessarily. If you’re healthy and symptom-free, you’ll likely be okay. But if you’re in a high-risk group (elderly, pregnant, immunocompromised), check in with a healthcare provider. - How do I know if my package is part of the recall?
Look for Lot #L250320200 on the back and Best By 05/02/2027 on the side of the 8 oz package. - Can I just cook or roast the seeds to make them safe?
Nope. Heat treatment at home is not reliable to eliminate Salmonella. Play it safe—discard or return them. - Where were these pumpkin seeds sold?
They were distributed via retail stores and mail orders in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. - Are any other Organic Traditions products affected?
As of now, no other products are impacted. This recall is limited to the specific lot mentioned. - Can I get a refund, and how?
Yes. Return the product to your point of purchase for a full refund. You can also contact [email protected] with any concerns. - How did the contamination happen?
The issue traces back to a supplier in another country, prompting a precautionary recall by Advantage Health Matters. - What should I do if I know someone who has this product?
Share this info with them! Encourage them to check the label and take the same steps to dispose of or return the product.
Here’s what you should do
If you’ve got this product sitting in your pantry, pause your snack session and follow these steps:
Do Not Consume the pumpkin seeds.
Check the Label:
- Product: Organic Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds
- Lot #: L250320200 (found on the back of the bag)
- Expiration Date: 05/02/2027 (side of the package)
Action Steps:
- Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund
- Contact: [email protected] with questions or concerns
- Spread the Word: Let others know if they’ve bought this product too
Behind the brand
Advantage Health Matters Inc. is based in North York, Ontario, and specializes in organic, plant-based ingredients through its Organic Traditions brand.
The brand is known for:
- Superfoods and seeds
- Functional powders
- Clean-label nutrition
This is their first major 2025 recall, but not the only product on the market hit by Salmonella concerns lately. Similar recent recalls include on May 2, 2025:
- Ray & Mascari Inc., a tomato supplier based in Indianapolis, Indiana, issued a voluntary recall of their 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes due to potential contamination with Salmonella.
- Williams Farms Repack LLC issued a voluntary recall for several tomato products under the H&C Farms and Williams Farms Repack labels after being notified by Southeast Tomato Distributors of a potential contamination.
“As a company dedicated to delivering safe, high-quality bulk ingredients, we understand that food safety must be front and center throughout the supply chain. This pumpkin seed recall highlights how even staple pantry items can become hazardous if safeguards break down. It’s a strong reminder for the entire industry to remain vigilant—with rigorous testing, full traceability, and responsible sourcing—so we can protect consumers, especially those most at risk.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring safe eats
From farm to package, ingredient safety isn’t just a box to check—it’s the bedrock of trust for bulk buyers, importers, co-manufacturers, and private label brands.
Best practices for brands:
- Audit suppliers regularly
- Implement robust testing protocols
- Stay ready with a recall response strategy
And to our fellow bulk food pros: Don’t take any chances when it comes to food safety.
Quick Reminder: If you’ve purchased the recalled product, stop using it immediately and request a refund.
Need help sourcing high-quality, fully traceable ingredients? Let’s connect. Source86 has your back with safe, bulk-ready ingredients and a team of experts ready to support your sourcing needs.
