Vitalabs Inc., working in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has issued a voluntary recall of four lots of Whey-26 Protein Powder due to possible Salmonella contamination.
This recall involves several U.S. states: 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. Outside of the U.S.: Aruba, Ontario and Poland.
The recalled protein powder – in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavors – was distributed through fitness centers, online stores and in health food stores. To view a complete list of the 22 brand names and lot numbers affected, please refer to the FDA Web site.
While there has not been any confirmed tests for Salmonella in the early stages of this foodboorne recall, the company is conducting this recall as a precautionary measure along with a voluntary recall initiated by the manufacturer of the whey protein.
Salmonella causes the most common foodborne illness, Salmonellosis. Salmonellosis is contracted when a person consumes food contaminated with the bacteria. Food may look and smell normal, yet still be infected with Salmonella bacteria. It causes flu-like symptoms including diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. These symptoms usually begin 12-72 hours after infection, and will typically last up to a week. Salmonella poisoning can be especially severe and possibly deadly in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Consumers who have purchased and consumed these products are encouraged to seek medical treatment if salmonella symptoms develop and to immediately stop taking the recalled Vitalabs products listed herein. If you have taken any of these products and suffered injuries including salmonella, let the law firm of Childers, Schlueter & Smith, LLC and the FDA know about this issue.
