NEWARK, NJ (November 13, 2024) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Africa Imports is voluntarily recalling its Organic Moringa Leaf Powder due to the potential presence of Salmonella, a harmful bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening illness.
According to the FDA, the recall was initiated after testing confirmed contamination concerns that could pose health risks to consumers who purchased or consumed the product. The agency confirmed that Salmonella infections can be particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
Africa Imports recall: quick summary
Africa Imports, a retailer and distributor of natural health and personal care products, has issued a voluntary recall of Organic Moringa Leaf Powder after the FDA determined that samples of the powder may be contaminated with Salmonella. The affected moringa was sold online through the company’s website and shipped directly to consumers across the United States. The product was sold in 8-ounce and 16-ounce sealed pouches with no specific lot codes or UPC numbers identified in the recall notice, meaning all purchases of this product should be considered affected. No illnesses have been reported so far, but the company has stopped distribution and is urging consumers to discontinue use immediately and dispose of the product or request a refund.
Official recall details
- Date issued: November 13, 2024
- Announced by: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Company: Africa Imports
- Product recalled: Organic Moringa Leaf Powder
- Issue: Possible Salmonella contamination
- Product details: Sold in 8-ounce and 16-ounce sealed pouches. No specific lot codes or UPCs were provided in the recall notice
- Consumer instructions: Do not consume this product. Dispose of it or request a refund from the company
Want to know more about what happened? Keep reading.
What happened?
The FDA said Africa Imports initiated the recall after routine testing found that samples of its Organic Moringa Leaf Powder may contain Salmonella. The company told regulators it became aware of the issue after laboratory testing detected the presence of the bacterium in product samples. The recall was announced on November 13, 2024, and affects all sizes of Organic Moringa Leaf Powder sold through the company’s website.
According to the FDA recall notice, food contaminated with Salmonella “may not look, smell or taste spoiled.” The agency also warned that consuming food contaminated with Salmonella can lead to “fever, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and in rare cases severe complications requiring hospitalization.” The FDA emphasized that individuals who have consumed the product should monitor themselves for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if illness develops.
The product was distributed nationwide through online sales, with customers receiving shipments directly from the company. Because no specific lot codes were identified, consumers should assume that any Africa Imports Organic Moringa Leaf Powder they have purchased is part of the recall.
Affected products
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best by date | Issue | Distribution |
Africa Imports | Organic Moringa Leaf Powder | 8oz and 16oz pouches | Not listed | Not listed | Potential Salmonella contamination | United States online sales |
What caused the issue?
According to the FDA notice, the recall was issued because product testing indicated the possible presence of Salmonella in the powder. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause gastrointestinal illness and serious complications, especially in children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
The agency confirmed that symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and dehydration. In severe cases, Salmonella infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and require hospitalization. Young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe illness.
The FDA stated that no illnesses have been reported as of the recall posting date.
Questions you might have
1. What should I do if I already consumed the powder? Monitor for symptoms. If you develop fever, vomiting, or persistent diarrhea, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
2. How can I tell if my product is part of the recall? If you purchased Organic Moringa Leaf Powder from Africa Imports online, assume it is affected and discontinue use immediately.
3. What are the symptoms of Salmonella exposure? Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and vomiting, typically appearing 6 to 72 hours after exposure.
4. How long do Salmonella symptoms last? Most people recover without treatment within 4 to 7 days, but severe cases may require medical attention or hospitalization.
5. Can I get a refund for the recalled product? Yes. Contact Africa Imports directly to request a refund for the recalled Organic Moringa Leaf Powder.
6. Where was this product sold? The product was sold exclusively online through the Africa Imports website and shipped directly to consumers nationwide.
7. Are other Africa Imports products affected? The recall currently applies only to Organic Moringa Leaf Powder. No other products have been identified as affected.
8. Who is most at risk from Salmonella? Young children, elderly adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness.
9. Can Salmonella be killed by cooking or heating? Yes, cooking food to proper temperatures kills Salmonella, but moringa powder is often consumed raw in smoothies or as a supplement.
10. How should I dispose of the recalled product? Seal the pouch in a plastic bag and dispose of it in your regular trash to prevent accidental consumption or cross-contamination.
Here’s what you should do
Do not consume the recalled product under any circumstances.
What to do immediately:
- Stop consuming the product immediately
- Dispose of the pouch safely or request a refund from Africa Imports
- Wash and sanitize any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have touched the product
- If you have consumed the product, monitor yourself for symptoms over the next 72 hours
- Report any adverse reactions to the FDA MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting system
Questions? Consumers with questions can contact Africa Imports for refund information or report adverse reactions through the FDA MedWatch system.
Behind the brand
Africa Imports is a Newark, New Jersey-based supplier of natural health and lifestyle products, specializing in herbal powders, essential oils, and skin care goods. The company produces and imports items for e-commerce distribution and direct sale to consumers seeking natural and organic health supplements.
The recall notice states that the company has “ceased distribution of the affected moringa” and is working with the FDA throughout the investigation. Source86 reached out to Africa Imports to ask how the contamination occurred and what corrective actions will be implemented, but has not yet received a response.
Other relevant recalls
In July 2025, Vanguard Natural Products issued a nationwide recall of its kratom powder after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration detected contamination with Salmonella enterica during routine testing. The incident drew attention to ongoing safety concerns in the herbal supplement market, particularly when products are sold online without consistent quality control. The recall illustrates how inadequate screening and insufficient supply chain oversight can allow contaminated botanical ingredients to reach consumers, despite being promoted as natural wellness products.
Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said:
“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting consumer trust and health. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous testing protocols, and supplier accountability. In the botanical supplement category, where products are often consumed without any kill step, prevention through testing is everything.”
Ensuring safe eats
This recall highlights the critical importance of robust botanical testing and supply chain traceability in the dietary supplement industry. Companies importing or selling herbal powders must implement comprehensive testing programs that include pathogen screening for Salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria at both the raw material and finished product stages. Without rigorous verification protocols, contaminated ingredients can easily reach consumers.
For consumers who purchased the recalled Africa Imports Organic Moringa Leaf Powder, the guidance is clear: stop using the product immediately, dispose of it safely or request a refund, and monitor yourself for symptoms if you have already consumed it. Even products marketed as natural or organic can harbor dangerous pathogens if not properly tested and handled.
Dietary supplement manufacturers and online retailers must recognize that consumer trust depends on transparent safety practices. Third-party testing, supplier audits, and clear documentation of ingredient origins are essential for preventing contamination incidents. Companies that cut corners on testing put both consumers and their brand reputation at serious risk.
At Source86, we support food and dietary supplement brands with comprehensive supplier verification, ingredient sourcing transparency, and FSQA oversight programs specifically designed for high-risk botanical ingredients. Our approach includes rigorous pathogen testing, supplier qualification protocols, and supply chain traceability systems that help companies operate safely and protect consumers through proactive food safety management. Contact Us!
