Biotics Research Recalls Products for Possible Salmonella Contamination

ROSENBERG, Texas--Biotics Research Corp., a dietary supplement manufacturer, issued a voluntary recall July 31 due to possible salmonella contamination in certain bottles of Hydrozyme and HCl-Plus, digestive aids that contained pepsin from American Laboratories Inc. Other companies that initiated recalls due to American Labs' pepsin included Solgar Vitamin & Herb Co. and Natural Organics, makers of Nature's Plus brand. Biotics, as with the other two companies, found no salmonella in its products but still voluntarily recalled its products to err on the side of caution. [For more on these past recalls, visit www.naturalproductsinsider.com/hotnews/15h2165912.html.]

When Biotics (www.bioticsresearch.com) was notified by American Labs April 25 about the possible contamination, it took both products off the market the next day. By early May, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had been told about the situation. Seventy days later, on July 31, FDA asked Biotics to issue a press release on the recall. According to Daryl DeLuca, vice president of Biotics, the highly acidic nature of the products may have factored into FDA's non-urgent decision.

The lot numbers recalled were 21173, 21245 and 21280 (for Hydrozyme 90- and 250-count bottles) and 21150 (for HCl-Plus 90-counts). Approximately 5,000 bottles, distributed nationwide between February 19 and April 25, were recalled.

"When American Labs initially tested its ingredient, it was fine," DeLuca said. "The company's ongoing procedure for testing random samples showed that this process works." American Labs was unavailable to comment on this latest recall by press time.

No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported from consumers using these two products. Questions can be directed to the company by calling (281) 344-0909.