A consumer advisory for Ozark County Sorghum has been issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Johnson County Public Health Department, and the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA). Lab tests conducted on the sorghum have revealed that the product has extremely high nitrate levels. The product was made by Ozark Country Sorghum in Dunnegan, Missouri.
Sorghum is a sweetener that is made from the sorghum plant. It is similar to molasses and is made from crushed stalks of the plant. Sorghum is thinner than molasses and has a more sour taste. Sorghum is often used to prepare infant formulas and toddler foods.
DIA Food and Consumer Safety Bureau Chief said in a statement that high nitrate levels “can be hazardous especially if consumed by infants and children.” Two cases of possible methemoglobinemia are associated with consumption of the sorghum. Officials in Johnson County are also investigating an illness that is associated with the consumption of sorghum.
That condition is a blood disorder in which an abnormal amount of methemoglobin is produced, which causes a decreased available of oxygen to the tissues in the body. Symptoms of this condition include shortness of breath, cyanosis (a skin discoloration, with blueish or purplish skin), confusion, headache, fatigue, exercise intolerance, weakness and dizziness. People with methemoglobinemia are treated with supplemental oxygen and methylene blue.
IDPH Medical Director Dr. Caitlin Pedati said, “The bottom line is that no one should eat this product. If you have it in your kitchen, you should throw it away.” Officials are working to have this product recalled.
If you bought this product, throw it away. The sorghum is packaged in one pine and one quart jars and may be available at grocery stores, specialty retail stores, and country stores. Officials are not recommending that you return this product to the store where you bought it.
