Ashwagandha supplement sold at Whole Foods recalled over bacterial contamination fears
A popular supplement sold at Whole Foods and on Amazon has been recalled over fears it may be contaminated with a potentially deadly bacteria.
Ashwagandha capsules have been pulled from shelves amid concerns they may be contaminated with salmonella, which can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and life-threatening complications such as dehydration.
Albuquerque-based Vitality Works Inc. recalled one lot of 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules on Friday.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said routine testing identified a potential contamination issue in one bottle, but did not confirm that salmonella was detected.
The supplements were sold nationwide at Whole Foods Market stores and online through Amazon between November 24, 2025, and October 20, 2026.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall.
Health officials urged anyone who purchased the supplement to stop taking it immediately and discard it rather than returning it to the store.
Those who purchased the supplement can receive a refund at any Whole Foods Market location.
Ashwagandha capsules have been pulled from shelves amid concerns they may be contaminated with salmonella (stock image)
The supplement comes in white plastic bottles labeled ‘365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha, 120 count,’ with a UPC number of 9948252099.
Consumers can identify the recalled bottles by the lot number 2025-26227 and expiration date October 13, 2028, both printed on the bottom of the packaging.
Ashwagandha is part of a school of herbal supplements known as adaptogens, which are marketed for lowering stress.
Experts believe adaptogens lower levels of the body’s stress hormone cortisol, promoting relaxation and sleep quality.
While many people associate salmonella with raw poultry or eggs, contamination can occur in a wide variety of products, such as herbal supplements.
The bacteria can enter products at various stages of production and distribution, including through contaminated ingredients, poor sanitation, improper handling or cross-contamination during packaging.
Salmonella triggers symptoms within six hours to six days of consuming the bacteria.
Foods contaminated with salmonella bacteria can smell, taste and look fine, but still pose a health risk.
The supplement comes in white plastic bottles labeled ‘365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha, 120 count’
Officials advised consumers to discard the product rather than return it to the store
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and dehydration – symptoms that require medical attention, particularly for children under five, adults over 65 and those with weakened immune systems.
The bacteria can also spread into the bloodstream and cause the life-threatening complication sepsis, when the immune system overreacts to an infection and attacks healthy organs and tissues.
Many salmonella cases resolve with just supportive care, primarily hydration and rest, and healthy adults should recover from the infection within a week.
For more severe cases, doctors can also use antibiotics to help clear infections.
Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness in the US, triggering about 1.35 million infections, 23,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths every year.
