A salmonella outbreak associated with a relative newcomer to the health food scene -- chia powder -- has grown.
A total of 17 cases have been identified in 10 states, including five that were identified through collaboration between Centers for Disease and Prevention and health authorities in Canada, which has at least seven other cases.
Two strains of salmonella have been identified, Hartford and Newport.
U.S. health officials traced the outbreak to organic sprouted chia powder manufactured by Navitas Naturals, which issued a recall last month of Navitas Naturals Organic Sprouted Chia Powder, Navitas Naturals Omega Blend Sprouted Smoothie Mix and Williams-Sonoma Omega 3 Smoothie Mixer.
And in Canada, more products with potentially contaminated chia seed powder were pulled by Advantage Health Matters and Back 2 the Garden, including Organic Traditions Sprouted Chia Seed Powder, Organic Traditions Sprouted Chia and Flax Seed Powder and Back 2 the Garden Sprouted Chia Seed Powder.
Chia seeds are touted by some health food buffs as a "super food" because they have a high content of omega fatty acids and are loaded with nutrients, such as protein, fiber, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, calcium and antioxidants.
But in this case, they also had salmonella, putting at least two people in the hospital.