More Pepsin-Related Recalls--Nature's Plus Pulls Back Four Products

MELVILLE, N.Y.--Four Nature's Plus dietary supplements are being recalled by the manufacturer, Natural Organics, because of possible salmonella contamination. The recall, which began late last week, involves all supplements containing pepsin made by American Laboratories.

Random sample tests run by American Laboratories indicated a possibility of salmonella contamination in its raw ingredient, pepsin. Pepsin is a naturally occurring digestive enzyme catalyzed from protein and found in the stomachs of animals, including hogs and calves.

When Natural Organics was advised by the supplier to participate in the recall, the company immediately tested its pepsin-containing supplements for traces of salmonella contamination, and sent samples of all product batches to an independent laboratory for additional testing. "All tests came back negative," said James Gibbons, vice president of research and development at Natural Organics. Despite the negative tests, Natural Natural Organics has voluntarily recalled 9,800 bottles of dietary supplements that contain pepsin, including Digestive Enzyme, Nature Cleanse Botanicleanse Tabs, Betaine HCL and Ultra-Zyme.

The American Laboratories pepsin recall has also affected Leonia, N.J.-based Solgar, who initiated a recall of its Digestive Aid tablets on April 28 to prevent any possible cases of salmonella poisoning from the pepsin.

Salmonella poisoning causes fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and can possibly cause death in infants and the elderly. So far, no cases of poisoning have been attributed to the Nature's Plus or Solgar products.

For more information on American Laboratories, visit www.americanlaboratories.com, and for more information on Nature's Plus, visit www.natplus.com.