One of the most important facts to know for any supplements you take is that just because they’re available don’t mean they’re regulated. Experts have said looking for the United States Pharmacopeia seal on the label can serve as one measure of protection to ensure ingredients and inspection have been overseen. (Even among well-known vitamin brands, not all bear the seal, which simply reads, USP.)
Such a lack of supervision could have caused problems for some consumers, according to a Saturday, May 2 update issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Following the January recalls of three herbal supplements, the FDA has shared more details about two of the three.
Herbs Forever LLC’s Los Angeles office is named as the recalling firm for supplements that were made in India. The drugs’ origin is of particular significance in the case because, as a January recall announcement from the FDA stated: “The situation was discovered during a routine FDA inspection at the manufacturing facility in India where it was indicated by the supplier that a product ingredient called Hing (Ferula Asafoedita) is dried with flour that may contain wheat.” Wheat is among the list of major food allergens and can cause serious illness for some or, in severe cases, fatality.
The FDA has now named the following recalled products as Class I, defined as “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death”:
HerbsForever – Gastro Care Ayruvedic Herbal Supplement; 90-count
800 milligrams
UPC: 8 07814 00124 3
Batch: 124-4
Expiration: 01/2029
HerbsForever – Hingwastika Churna Ayruvedic Herbal Supplement; 90-count
100 grams
UPC: 8 07814 00622 4
Batch: 622-2
Expiration: 06/2029
The FDA’s May 2 update suggests the two products are “sold primarily on-line nationwide.”
One retail site selling ayurvedic herbs suggests both of these products purport to support digestion and gut health and lists cumin, ginger, and celery seed among the ingredients of the Hingwastika Churna product.
The third product listed in the January Herbs Forever recall was Hingwastika Extract, also said to be a digestive aid.
The company has said that customers may contact them for a refund.
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