Vitalabs, Inc. of Jonesboro, Georgia is initiating a large recall of its Whey-26 Protein Powder over concerns that the defective product is contaminated with the dangerous, sometimes deadly, Salmonella pathogen, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced.
Four specific lot numbers of Whey-26 Protein Powder have been recalled, as well as large number of brands. The lot numbers involved appear below and the brand listing can be accessed at the FDA’s website.
- Vanilla Whey Isolate: Lot Number 3473
- Vanilla Whey Isolate: Lot Number 0131
- Chocolate Whey Isolate: Lot Number 3477
- Strawberry Whey Isolate: Lot Number 3364
This recall extends to various parts of the United States including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington and outside the United States in Aruba; Ontario, Canada; and Poland. The recalled product was offered through a variety of distribution channels including health food stores, clinics, fitness centers, and Internet-based companies.
Vitalabs stated that it is conducting this recall as an extension of the voluntary recall being performed by the whey protein isolate manufacturer. There have been no positive tests for Salmonella contamination or illness reports related to Vitalabs’ whey protein isolate.
Salmonella-contaminated food and products may not look or smell spoiled; however, consumption of products contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria may cause the foodborne illness known as Salmonellosis. Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning, which can take some time to become apparent, include fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea and usually last four to seven days.
Most persons recover without antibiotic treatment; however, the diarrhea can be severe, and hospitalization may be required. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems may develop more serious illness with the infection potentially spreading from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites; this can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
The FDA urges consumers who purchased any of the affected lot numbers to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or credit. Vitalabs, Inc. can be reached, toll-free at 1-800-241-3017, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Adverse reaction or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online, by regular mail, or by fax: Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm; Regular Mail: Use postage-paid, pre-addressed Form FDA 3500 available and mail to address on the pre-addressed form; and by fax: 1-800-FDA-0178.
