Consumer Reports says that more than 2/3 of the protein powders and shakes they tested have high lead levels. In fact, they have more lead in a single serving than is safe to consume in a day - some by more than 10 times. It's been 15 years since Consumer reports has teated protein powders and shakes. These products have become a huge business, driving supplement sales. But some have high levels of toxic heavy metals. Nearly all of the plant based products had elevated lead levels, but some were so bad that the experts caution against using them at all. A single serving of those powders had between 1,200 and 1,600% of the level of CR's concern per lead, which is 0.5 micrograms per day. That is the California Prop 65 maximum allowable dose level, which has a wide safety margin and … [Read more...]
Zaarah Herbals Powders Recalled For Lead and Arsenic
Zaarah Herbals powders are being recalled because they contain elevated levels of lead and arsenic. Not all of the products contain both heavy metals. Because this recall notice was posted on the FDA's Enforcement Reports page, and not the regular recall page, there is no information about whether or not any illnesses have occurred in relation to this issue. The recalling firm is New York Wholesale Group of Hicksville, New York. There is no safe level of lead exposure. Short term exposure to very low levels of lead may not cause any symptoms. Increased blood lead levels may be the only sign of lead exposure. Consuming arsenic can cause cancer, heart disease, lung disease, IQ loss, diabetes, and neurological problems. And its effect is much more serious in infants and young children … [Read more...]
Consumer Reports Tests Baby Formula For Lead and Arsenic
Consumer Reports has tested baby formula for the heavy metals lead and arsenic and found some with concerning levels. The tested 41 types of powdered formula, looking at established formulas like Enamel and Similac, popular store brands, imported brands, and newer foods like Bobbie. About half of the samples had potentially harmful of at least one contaminant. But the other half had low or no levels of potentially problematic contamination, so parents have good options to choose from. The FDA announced a new initiative to strengthen its oversight of the formula industry one day after Consumer Reports shared the results with that agency. Brian Ronholm, head of food policy for CR said in a statement, "It’s very encouraging to see the FDA issue this announcement immediately after … [Read more...]
More Apple Juice Recalled For Inorganic Arsenic
More apple juice is being recalled for inorganic arsenic levels that are above the action level set by the FDA in guidance to industry. Because this recall notice was not posted on the FDA's regular recall page, but instead on the Enforcement Reports page, there is no mention about whether any illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the consumption of these products. The recalling firm is Refresco Beverages of Tampa, Florida. In all, 133,500 cases of apple juice are included in this recall. The original recall was for Great Value apple juice, and it was issued on August 26, 2024. This new recall adds eight new brands and another size of the Great Value brand. The recalled products include Great Value in 8 ounce plastic bottle six packs with BEST If used by dates … [Read more...]
Great Value Apple Juice Recalled For Inorganic Arsenic Level
Great Value Apple Juice is being recalled for an inorganic arsenic level that is above the action level set in industry guidance. About 9,535 cases of this apple juice, that is sold at Walmart Stores in certain states, is included in this recall. This recall notice is posted on the FDA's Enforcement Reports page, not the regular recall page, so there is no information about whether or not any adverse reactions have been reported to the company to date. The recalling firm is Refresco Beverages US of Tampa, Florida. This apple juice was sold at Walmart stores in these states: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, … [Read more...]
Martinelli’s Gold Medal Apple Juice Recalled For Inorganic Arsenic
Martinelli's Gold Medal Apple Juice is being recalled for inorganic arsenic. Inorganic arsenic is the dangerous type of this heavy metal. Acute symptoms of arsenic poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, followed by numbness and tingling of the extremities. Long term complications of arsenic poisoning include cancer, liver disease, diabetes, nervous system complications, and digestive difficulties. Children are more susceptible to this compound because of their small body size and because they are growing. In addition, children usually consume more apple juice than adults do. Last year the FDA set guidance on the amount of inorganic arsenic permissible in apple juice. Guidance does not establish legally enforceable boundaries. The action level is set at 10 parts … [Read more...]
FDA Issues Final Guidance for Inorganic Arsenic in Apple Juice
The FDA has issued final guidance for the levels of inorganic arsenic in apple juice to the action level of 10 parts per billion. This guidance is for industry to help protect public health, but it does not establish legally enforceable responsibilities. Inorganic arsenic is the most harmful form of this toxic heavy metal. Arsenic occurs in the environment, both naturally and as a result of arsenic-containing pesticides that were used on food crops. Pollution from coal-fired power plants, mining, and fracking also deposit the heavy metal in soils and in water. Acute symptoms of arsenic poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, followed by numbness and tingling of the extremities. Long term complications of arsenic poisoning include cancer, liver disease, diabetes, … [Read more...]
FDA Studies Seafood Consumption Role in Child Development
The FDA is studying seafood consumption roles in child development and growth, with the aim of limiting the exposure of babies and young children to heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium that may be in those foods. The independent study is funded by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine and is called The Role of Seafood Consumption in Child Growth and Development. The FDA is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency on this study. While seafood consumption is healthy and should be an important part of a child's diet along with a pregnant women's diet, seafood is the primary dietary source of mercury. That heavy metal can damage the … [Read more...]
Public Warned: Kerela Ayurvedic & Natural Herbal Consultation in Toronto
The public has been warned about using unauthorized Ayurvedic medicinal products sold by Kerela Ayurvedic & Natural Herbal Consultation in Toronto by Public Health Canada after a report of heavy metal poisoning following the use of products obtained from this clinic. You can get a copy of this advisory in Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Urdu upon request. All Ayurvedic medicinal products sold at that facility, which is located at 2900 Markham Road, Unit L13 in Majestic City Mall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, are affected by this public health notice. This includes products that were ordered by the clinic from a supplier and shipped directly to consumers. As of February 1, 2022, the testing of products seized from Kerela Ayurvedic & Natural Herbal Consultation in Toronto has … [Read more...]
Symptoms of Heavy Metal Poisoning From Foods
Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning from foods can be serious and can cause long term health complications and illness. Food Poisoning Bulletin has often reported about foods and dietary supplements that are recalled for heavy metal contamination. The heavy metals most often involved include lead, arsenic, and mercury. Heavy metal poisoning can be both acute and chronic. Chronic poisoning is usually from long term exposure to smaller amounts of these compounds. Symptoms of this type of poisoning develop over time. Heavy metal poisoning can be difficult to diagnose, since many of the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other health problems, although some symptoms and illnesses, such as reduced IQ and cancer, are more unique to the metals. Acute heavy metal poisoning can occur … [Read more...]
