U.S. Marshals have seized more than $2 million of dietary supplements containing DMAA, an unapproved additive, from Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals in Norcross, Ga. The supplements were considered adulterated because they contain 1, 3-Dimethylamylamine HCl (DMAA) or its chemical equivalent, which has been deemed unsafe under federal law. More than 1,500 cases of finished goods and more than 1,200 pounds of in-process or raw materials were seized.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received numerous reports of illnesses and death associated with supplements containing DMAA and urges consumers not to buy or use them. DMAA can elevate blood pressure and cause cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, shortness of breath and tightening of the chest. It can also cause problems with the nervous system or psychiatric disorders. It may be especially dangerous when used in combination with caffeine.
“This company has a responsibility to ensure its products are safe for distribution and human consumption,” said Melinda K. Plaisier, the FDA’s associate commissioner for regulatory affairs in a statement.“We have taken action to protect consumers and demonstrate our commitment to their safety by keeping these products from entering the distribution system.”
FDA investigators identified eleven Hi-Tech products that were labeled as containing DMAA or its chemical equivalent. They include: Black Widow, ECA XTREME, FASTIN, FASTIN-XR, Lipodrene, Lipodrene HARDCORE, Lipodrene XR, Lipodrene XTREME, LIPOTHERM, Stimerex-ES, and YELLOW SCORPION.
If you have an adverse event or illness related to a dietary supplement, see a doctor. Then report your illness to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
“This company has a responsibility to ensure its products are safe for distribution and human consumption,” Amen to that. Jensen Farms, in what was a great victory for safe food advocates, such as us, was convicted based on this issue:
“This is different than where officials knew they were shipping contaminated product. As seen in the Jensen case, it is more of a point that they should have known and taken preventive actions.” Bravo! Should have known!
This company obviously knew that they were packaging their products with an illegal product. How stupid can you be. Well, you could be more stupid, like say, consuming aspartame, a known poison.