Salmonella Detected In Shark Cartilage Capsules From The United States

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses;  Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
Article Date: 10 Aug 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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The Food Standards Agency is warning consumers about the presence of salmonella in certain batches of shark cartilage capsules originating from the United States.

Shark cartilage capsules are believed by some to help with joint health. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recalling various private labelled shark cartilage capsules that may be contaminated with salmonella. Although the contaminated batches are not thought to have been on sale in shops in the UK, they have been available through internet and mail order suppliers.

Dr Judith Hilton, Head of Microbiological Safety at the Food Standards Agency, said: 'The presence of salmonella in a food supplement is unacceptable and potentially hazardous. It's important that consumers of these capsules check that their personal supplies are not affected.'

The affected shark cartilage capsules were sold under the following labels, lots and codes:

-- Puritan's Pride brand shark cartilage capsules, product No. 6580, 100 capsule size - UPC 74312 16580 1, lot No. 66293

-- Nature's Bounty brand shark cartilage capsules, product No. 6581, 30 capsules + 30 free size - UPC 74312 06581 1, lot No. 66293

-- Rexall Sundown brand shark cartilage capsules, product No. 6635, 50- UPC 30768 06635 2, lot No. 66293

-- Vitamin World brand shark cartilage capsules, product No. 6580, 100 capsule size - UPC 74312 76580 3, product No. 6582, 200 capsule size - UPC 74312 76582 7, product No. 6585, 400 capsule size - UPC 74312 76585 8, lot No. 66293

-- Natural Wealth brand shark cartilage capsules, product No. 6581, 30 - lot No. 64950 (expiry date 8/08)

Salmonella is the second-most-common cause of food poisoning. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea. In some cases, food poisoning can cause very serious illness or even death.

http://www.food.gov.uk

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