Whole Foods Ashwagandha Capsules Recalled Nationwide Over Salmonella Risk Vitality Works Inc. recalled one lot of 365 Whole Foods Market Ashwagandha Capsules sold at Whole Foods and on Amazon due to possible salmonella contamination, with no illnesses reported so far. Vitality Works Inc. of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is recalling one lot of 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules because of possible salmonella contamination. The recall covers 120-count bottles sold in white plastic containers. The product was sold nationwide at Whole Foods Market stores and online through Amazon. The lot number is 2025-26227, and the expiration date is 10/13/2028. Both are printed on the bottom of the bottle.Product Details and DiscoveryThe UPC is 9948252099. The capsules were sold for nearly a year, between Nov. 25, 2025, and Oct. 20, 2026. The potential contamination was discovered through routine sampling of a single retail unit, according to a statement on the Food and Drug Administration website. The FDA did not explicitly say a positive salmonella sample was found.No illnesses related to the recall have been reported at this time. Anyone who has the recalled capsules should not take them. The bottles should be thrown away and not returned to stores. Refunds are available at any Whole Foods Market location, the FDA said.People with questions can contact Vitality Works Inc. at (505) 268-9950. Ashwagandha is a plant found in parts of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its roots are dried and ground into powder for traditional practices, including Ayurvedic medicine. It is often marketed to help reduce stress and improve sleep.How Salmonella Contaminates PlantsSome research shows salmonella can contaminate plants like ashwagandha before harvesting or during processing. The bacteria can lay dormant for months or even years and cause infection when swallowed. After a person consumes something contaminated with salmonella, it multiplies in the small intestine. That triggers an immune response that can cause cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.Salmonellosis is a common foodborne illness. Most infected people experience fever, diarrhea or abdominal pains within six hours to six days after eating contaminated food. The illness can last up to a week. Most people recover without treatment, though some cases lead to hospitalization.Severe vomiting and diarrhea can cause dangerous dehydration. The infection can also tear or cause bleeding in the digestive tract. If the bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can become life threatening and infect the brain and spinal cord, heart, bones and urinary tract. The infection is especially dangerous for young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.Salmonella Symptoms and TreatmentTreatment often addresses dehydration with IV fluids, anti-diarrheal medications like Imodium, and antibiotics, though most people recover without them. Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections in the United States every year and is a leading cause of foodborne illness. This ashwagandha recall is one of several salmonella-related recalls this year.Earlier recalls involving jalapeños and fresh produce from Sinaloa prompted the recall of salsas, pico de gallo and other products from Target, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and H-E-B. Information for this article was taken from the Food and Drug Administration and the New York Post.