Arsenic, Lead Found in Vitamin Powders
UNITED STATES – The companies Cellect Products Inc. and Oglethorpe Ltd. have issued a voluntary recall of certain vitamin supplement powders because of unsafe levels of arsenic and lead. Ingesting the powders could lead to serious adverse health effects.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted an announcement of the recall on September 30. The powders included in the recall are Cellect Unflavored Powder and Essentials Factor Cell Synergy Unflavored Powder. The lot number associated with these products is 041907, and the manufacturing date of May 20, 2019, should be visible on the bottom of the bottles. The bottles each weigh 1.25 pounds.
The powders are being recalled because they contain potentially unsafe amounts of lead and arsenic. Ingesting the powder daily as directed could result in dangerous arsenic exposure, which has been linked to cancers of the skin, lungs, and bladder. Use of the powders can also cause a buildup of lead in a person’s body that can result in serious illness and lasting injury. Not everyone with lead poisoning will exhibit symptoms. However, common symptoms of lead poisoning include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle fatigue
- Decreased urination
- Blood in urine
- Unexplained weight loss
Both the Cellect Unflavored Powder and the Essentials Factor Cell Synergy Unflavored Powder were sold in retail locations in the United States and were available online. The bottles were also sold in numerous other countries. Customers who have affected product should immediately stop using it and return it to the seller for a refund or for a replacement product. Customers who are having any medical issues they think could be related to the recalled powders should talk to their doctors.
Questions about the Cellect Unflavored Powder and the Essentials Factor Cell Synergy Unflavored Powder recall can be directed to the manufacturers at (631) 509-5316 and at request@cellect.com.
