Nativas Organics Failed to Disclose Chia Seed Salmonella Contamination Risk, Class Action Lawsuit Alleges

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A proposed class action lawsuit claims that Nativas Organics failed to adequately inform consumers that its now-recalled Organic Chia Seeds are at risk of salmonella contamination.

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The 20-page lawsuit states that Nativas Organics in January 2026 voluntarily recalled the organic chia seeds due to the potential presence of salmonella, a “precautionary measure” in the wake of a recall by Nativas’ chia seed supplier, the company said. The case contends that Nativas misrepresented the quality and safety of its 8oz bags of Organic Chia Seeds by failing to inform consumers of the potential salmonella contamination risk affecting several lots of the products at issue.

Salmonella, the complaint explains, is one of the top causes of foodborne illness, hospitalizations and deaths worldwide, and is particularly dangerous for children, older people, and those with weakened immune systems.

According to the FDA’s website, 8-oz pouches of Nativas Organic Chia seeds bearing UPC 858847000284 with the following lot codes and expiration dates were included in the recall:

• W31025283 - Best If Used By: End APR 2027;
• W31025286 - Best If Used By: End APR 2027;
• W31025287 - Best If Used By: End APR 2027;
• W31025311 - Best If Used By: End MAY 2027;
• W31025314 - Best If Used By: End MAY 2027;
• W31025315 - Best If Used By: End MAY 2027;
• W31025316 - Best If Used By: End MAY 2027; and
• W31025317 - Best If Used By: End MAY 2027.

The affected products were distributed nationally through retail stores such as Whole Foods and Target, and through online retailers like Amazon.com, the suit mentions.

Because Nativas is in the “superior position” of knowing the ingredients, materials and manufacturing processes to produce its products, the company should have been aware of the risks involved in production, including salmonella contamination, and recklessly failed to inform consumers, the lawsuit argues.

“Consumers lack the meaningful ability to test or independently ascertain or verify whether a product contains unsafe substances, such as Salmonella, especially at the point of sale, and therefore must and do rely on Defendant to truthfully and honestly report what the Products contain or are at risk of containing on the Products’ packaging or labels,” the case relays. 

In fact, a substantial portion of the product’s packaging displays language assuring consumers of Nativas’ apparent commitment to “rigorous third-party certifications” and lab testing of “every bag” it sells to ensure the quality and safety of its food products, according to the case.

“Defendant’s labeling and advertisements contain untrue and materially misleading statements and omissions concerning its Products inasmuch as it misrepresents that the Products are safe for consumption and does not list that the Products contain Salmonella,” the complaint claims.

According to the suit, Nativas also issued a recall of certain products in 2014 due to potential salmonella contamination.

The Nativas Organic Chia Seeds class action lawsuit seeks to represent all individuals in the United States who purchased an affected Nativas chia seeds product.

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