Dietary Supplements Recalled for Potential Salmonella Contamination

Standard Process dietary supplements are being recalled for potential contamination with the dangerous, sometimes deadly, Salmonella pathogen, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) just announced.

The following three dietary supplements have been recalled; the recall follows a routine FDA record inspection in which it was revealed that one of the ingredients used in the supplement was potentially contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria:

Cataplex ACP: Product number 0700 and 0750; Lot 114

Cataplex C: Product number 1650 1655; Lot 114

Pancreatrophin PMG: Product number 6650; Lot 114

The recalled supplements, which were sold to consumers through health care professionals, were distributed in 60 cc and 200 cc amber glass bottles with Best Used By dates (BUB) of 5/13. The date is indicated on both the bottles and the boxes; no other products or lot numbers are affected.

Consumers who have purchased any of these three recalled products, with lot code L114, are urged to return the supplements to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers and health care professionals with questions can contact Standard Process Inc., toll-free, at 1.866.397.3237. Consumers and healthcare professionals are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of this recalled and potentially tainted product to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Standard Process has provided information on this recall to all distributors and health care professionals who purchased these specific lots via telephone calls and mailings. The products were sold to consumers through health care professionals. Standard Process has ceased distribution of the product lots in question.

Standard Process has not received any reports of illness related to these products; however, it can take some time from ingestion of a tainted product for symptoms to manifest. Standard Process also stated that it has a complete microbiological laboratory on its premises and has tested retained samples of these products for Salmonella. In all instances, Salmonella has been tested for and has been confirmed absent.

The most common symptoms of Salmonella poisoning—salmonellosis—are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, with symptoms manifesting, usually, within six to 72 hours. Additional symptoms include chills, headache, nausea, and vomiting that can last up to seven days. The illness usually lasts four to seven days; however, in some, the organism can invade the bloodstream, becoming so severe that hospitalization is required. Sometimes, infection with the Salmonella pathogen can result in, and produce more severe or chronic illnesses.

Salmonellosis can be dangerous, even deadly, leaving sufferers with serious life-long health issues. One of the most common bacterial food borne illnesses, salmonellosis can be especially life threatening to those with weakened immune systems, such as infants; the elderly; and persons with compromised immune systems, such as people with HIV infection or who are undergoing chemotherapy.