The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a recent recall of four powered supplements from Zaarah Herbals products by New York Wholesale Group. Elevated levels of lead and arsenic in the products prompted the recall. The affected products include Rasayan Churan, Gurmar Powder, Vasaka Powder, and Bhringraj Powder. New York Wholesale Group distributed these products across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and California between December 20, 2024, and January 7, 2025.
The supplement recall was initiated after an analysis by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Their investigation revealed the presence of harmful contaminants in Zaarah Herbals products. These contaminants, lead and arsenic, pose significant health risks, especially with prolonged exposure. If individuals believe they have an affected product, health authorities advise them to stop administering the supplements immediately.
Impact of Lead and Arsenic Contamination
Lead contamination
Arsenic and lead are both toxic substances that can have severe health implications. Lead exposure, even at low levels, affects the nervous, respiratory, and many other bodily functions. Exposure to lead has also been linked to the causation of cognitive disorders. The effects of lead contamination vary based on the amount and duration of exposure, as well as age and body weight. In children, lead exposure can lead to permanent brain damage, reduced IQ, behavioural changes, and developmental issues. Chronic lead exposure in adults links to kidney dysfunction, hypertension, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive effects.
Arsenic Contamination
Arsenic, particularly in its inorganic form, is associated with cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Exposure during fetal development or early childhood can contribute to neurodevelopmental effects and increase the risk of cancer later in life. The presence of these contaminants in dietary supplements alarms consumers and health experts because people often consume these products without subjecting them to the same level of scrutiny as pharmaceuticals.
Inorganic arsenic, in particular, causes a wide range of serious health issues, including cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic leads to well-documented health risks, such as cancers of the skin, bladder, and lung. It also contributes to other severe conditions, including spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and congenital heart disease.
Exposure during fetal development or early childhood can have severe effects in child development, contributing to neurodevelopmental issues and increasing the risk of cancer later in life. The presence of inorganic arsenic in dietary supplements alarms consumers and health experts because people often consume these products without subjecting them to the same rigorous testing and scrutiny as pharmaceuticals.
The classification of inorganic arsenic as a known human carcinogen by agencies such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights the severity of its health impacts. Therefore, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of these risks and for regulatory bodies to ensure that dietary supplements are safe for consumption.
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The Supplement Recall Process
The recent supplement recall of Zaarah Herbals products involves four specific powdered supplements: Bhringraj Powder, Gurmar Powder, Vasaka Powder, and Rasayan Churan. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s Food and Standards Division conducted an analysis and discovered elevated levels of lead and arsenic, prompting the recall of these products due to potential contamination.
The affected batches include Bhringraj Powder (Batch BJ 04), Gurmar Powder (Batch GD 04), Vasaka Powder (Batch VK 04), and Rasayan Churan (Batch RY 04), all manufactured in July 2022. The UPC codes for these products are 6 35028 99973 1, 6 35028 99969 4, 6 35028 99967 0, and 6 35028 99966 3, respectively. Health authorities advise consumers to immediately stop using these products to avoid further exposure to contaminants.
In response to the supplement recall, consumers are urged to take several steps to protect themselves. First, they should stop consuming the recalled products immediately to prevent any potential health risks associated with lead and arsenic exposure. Next, consumers should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. It is also important for consumers to seek alternative supplements by consulting with healthcare professionals, ensuring that any new products are safe and free from contaminants. Finally, staying informed about product recalls is essential. Consumers can achieve this by regularly checking updates from regulatory bodies like the FDA and registering for recall alerts. Despite the recall, no one has reported any adverse reactions to date.
Bottom Line
As consumers increasingly turn to supplements for health benefits, it is imperative that manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and consumers work together to prevent contamination and ensure that products are safe for use. Individuals should use dietary supplements only as supplementary to a normal diet and not as a replacement. They are not replacements for medicines and as an alternative to medical treatments. Always consult a health professional before taking any supplements, especially for individuals who are pregnant or for children. The company urges consumers and those who have purchased these four supplements with any questions to contact them by phone at 1-800-516-7606 during weekdays between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm EST.
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