Recall round-up: Dietary supplements, melatonin capsules and hemp oil
The Bavarian Food Safety Control Authority has given notice of a health hazard concerning NaturaFit Dietetic Food Production’s alpha lipoic acid 300 R (+) dietary supplement.
Inspectors have flagged issues regarding the product’s recommended daily dose in which the nature of the preparation means consumers may exceed the safe daily intake.
Possible effects as a result of exceeding this daily dose includes the triggering of cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial disorders (angina and myocardial infarction), liver damage and onset of insulin autoimmune syndrome.
Sold through pharmacies and online shops, customers who have purchased the item in question are advised not to use the product and to responsibly dispose of the product.
Life Extension’s melatonin capsules
Meanwhile, over at The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition, warnings have been issued to cease the consumption of the food supplement, ‘Melatonin capsules (3mg)’ made by Life Extension Europe BV.
Manufactured by the US firm Quality Supplements and Vitamins, the authorities report no case of adverse effects have been confirmed in Spain so far.
However, the authorities have issued the advice as the product has not been subject to evaluation and authorisation prior to its marketing.
Further instructions explain that because it contains the pharmacologically active substance melatonin in a dose of three milligrams (mg) per tablet, the product is legally classed as a medicine
“The inclusion of the active substance melatonin in sufficient quantity to restore, correct or modify a physiological function by exerting a pharmacological action, can produce adverse reactions of varying severity,” they say.
Melatonin or N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine is a hormone involved in cellular and neuroendocrine processes, but better known as central to circadian rhythms and adaptation to the light-dark cycle.
It can also cause drowsiness, so it should be administered with caution if it may pose a safety hazard; for example, when given to people who have to drive or use machines.
Patients should not drink alcohol while taking melatonin or after treatment. In addition, this product should not be administered to people who may be hypersensitive (allergic) to this active ingredient.
The agency has recommended the product be prohibited for sale and to be immediately withdrawn from the market.
Hemp oil supplements
Poland’s Chief Sanitary Inspectorate has identified Intenson Europe’s range of hemp oil-derived products as ‘a significant risk to the health of consumers.’
The Polish firm’s ‘Premium Quality Hemp Oil' (10% hemp oil, 5 ml and 10 ml) and 'Premium Quality Hemp Oil' dietary supplement, (hemp oil, 5% CBD, 5 ml and 10 ml) have been found to contain CO2 extract from hemp.
“Laboratory testing of the product samples confirmed the presence of cannabinoids in the product, including the content of Δ9 -THC of 0.9 grams per kilogram (g/kg) and 1.5g/kg in the hemp oil, 5% CBD and 1.2g/kg in hemp oil 10%,” the notice states.
“According to the risk assessment of the National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, these products should be considered as not approved for human consumption and may pose a significant risk to the health of consumers.”
The authorities add that all batches of the identified products are subject to the recall and recommends all customers not to consume these products due to the potential risks involved.
