FDA Recalls Vitality Works Ashwagandha Capsules Sold at Whole Foods and Amazon

Key points

• The recall covers one lot of 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules, specifically lot number 2025-26227.
• The affected capsules were sold in 120-count white plastic bottles with an expiration date of October 13, 2028, or November 13, 2028, depending on the source.
• The product was available at Whole Foods Market stores and on Amazon from November 24 or 25, 2025, through October 20, 2026.
• The FDA discovered the potential contamination through routine sampling of a retail unit, and no illnesses have been reported to date.
• Consumers are advised to discard the recalled capsules and not take them; refunds are available at Whole Foods Market locations.

Background

This recall follows a recent trend of food and supplement safety issues. In late October 2026, the FDA also issued a Class II recall for Miyoko's plant butter over E. coli and mold concerns, and the CDC linked 27 illnesses to a Virginia oyster recall involving salmonella. Additionally, earlier in October, experts debated the safety and necessity of supplements, noting that the FDA does not routinely test powders for contaminants like lead, highlighting broader concerns about supplement quality control.

How outlets are covering it

Both LiveNOW from FOX and NBC 5 Chicago report the core facts of the recall, including the product name, lot number, and the reason for the recall (salmonella risk). However, they differ slightly on the expiration date: LiveNOW from FOX states the expiration date is 10/13/2028, while NBC 5 Chicago states it is Nov. 13, 2028. Both outlets agree that no illnesses have been reported and that the contamination was found through routine sampling. LiveNOW from FOX provides more detail on the symptoms of salmonellosis, while NBC 5 Chicago focuses on the recall logistics and refund process.

Why it matters

Salmonella contamination in supplements poses a direct health risk to consumers, potentially causing fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. This recall underscores the importance of vigilance in food and supplement safety, especially as consumers increasingly rely on online and retail channels for health products. The fact that no illnesses have been reported is reassuring, but the recall serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with contaminated products.

What to watch

Consumers should check their ashwagandha capsules for the specific lot number and expiration date mentioned in the recall. If they have the affected product, they should discard it immediately and not take it. Refunds can be obtained at Whole Foods Market locations. The FDA will continue to monitor the situation and may issue further updates if any illnesses are reported.