And in recall number three today, the supplements Quick Thin and Bethel Advance, by Bethel Nutritional Consulting, have been recalled. The products contain sibutramine and phenolphthalein. Sibutramine is no longer on the market because anyone who takes it has a serious risk of heart attack and stroke. And phenolphthalein can cause potentially serious gastrointestinal disturbances, irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, and cancer with long term use. No adverse reactions have been reported yet.
The FDA found that Quick Thin gold capsules and Bethel Advance white capsules were tested in June. Bethel 30 green capsules were recalled on June 11, 2013 for the same reason. The FDA has not approved any of these supplements as drugs, so the safety and effectiveness of the products are unknown. All three products are marketed as “a natural herb for weight loss.”
Bethel 30, which was recalled in June, has lot number 120514 with expiration 12/05/2013. Bethel Advance has lot number 10092011 with expiration 2014, and Quick Thin has the lot number 10032011 with expiration date 10/2014. The products were sold directly to individual customers in the company’s New York, New York sales office and online.
Do not consume these products. Return them to the place of purchase. For more information, contact Kathy Ramirez at 212-568-5330. If you have experienced health problems, contact your doctor and report it via the FDAs MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
