Presence of Fungus Leads to Infant Supplement Recall
According to a release from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), New Jersey-based Solgar, Inc., has issued a voluntary recall of a powdered dietary supplement for infants, ABC Dophilus Powder, out of what has been called “an abundance of caution.” The recall was initiated after testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered the presence of the fungus Rhizopus oryzae, which can lead to a rare infection called Mucormycosis. It’s not just the infant who is consuming this product that is susceptible; anyone who has contact with the fungi could become infected.
ABC Dophilus Powder, which is marketed as a dietary supplement for infants and children that is free of milk, dairy and lactose, was distributed to 30 states, including Texas, and it was also sold on the Internet. The product comes in 1.75 oz (50 g) packages, with a UPC code of 0 33984 00010 0. The packages have an expiration date of 7/31/15, and has the following lot numbers: 074024-01R1, 074024-01, 074024-02.
To date, there has been one complaint about the product, which is what triggered the CDC testing protocol in the first place. Mucormycosis, which is also referred to as zygomycosis, are caused by fungi that are usually found in soil, and are usually associated with organic matter that is decaying, such as rotting wood, leaves or compost. In most cases, mucormycosis infects the sinuses or lungs. The symptoms of sinus infections can include sinus pain, headaches and fever, while the symptoms of lung infection can include fever and coughing. In most cases, healthy people will not be affected, but those with newborns and those who have weakened immune symptoms should be concerned. Those with uncontrolled diabetes, those who are being treated for cancer or who have neutropenia, or those who have had an organ transplant should be especially careful about coming in contact with this fungus. In addition, those with open skin trauma should also be careful.
Those consumers who have purchased this product are being urged by the company and the FDA to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. They are asked not to open or consume the product under any circumstances. Those consumers who have purchased and handled the product are being asked to consult their doctor. Distribution has been shut down for the time being, while the FDA continues to investigate the source of the contamination.
If you have purchased this dietary supplement for your infant child, be sure to follow the recall and return the product to the store for a full refund. If you have used this product, and either your child or you has become ill, call a doctor immediately. Then, contact the Defective Consumer Products attorney at Hill Law Firm, so that we can help you to protect your rights under the law.