EU Consumers Warned about Tainted Turmeric Pills

UPPSALA, Sweden—Reports of severe liver failure, including two deaths, have led several European governments to issue warnings about a turmeric-based dietary supplement, which reportedly contains undeclared quantities of the anti-inflammatory drug nimesulide. Chula Vista, Calif.-based Donsbach markets the supplement, labeled as Fortodol or Leppin Miradin, as an herbal pain reliever. Sweden’s Medicinal Products Agency (MSA) originally issued a consumer warning in late February; the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the United Kingdom put out a warning in mid-March.