Salmonella Risk Prompts Whey Protein Recall

TORRANCE, Calif.Nutrition Express voluntarily recalled products containing whey protein isolate sourced from one supplier due to possible salmonella contamination. The supplier of the ingredient in question, a dairy in Minnesota, issued a recall of its whey protein isolate, which prompted Nutrition Express to follow suit.

About 450 bottles of powdered protein were sold at two retail health food stores only (Lindberg Nutrition located in Torrance and Manhattan Beach), both in Los Angeles County, CA, between Dec. 1, 2010 and Feb. 17, 2011. Notice of the recall was immediately posted at both stores. The only other sales channel was a direct-to-consumer channel from Nutrition Express, the exclusive distributor of these products. The products were shipped directly to consumers in the United States via Federal Express or the U.S. Post Office. All consumers, who bought through this direct channel, were immediately sent letters on Feb. 22, 2011, by Nutrition Express regarding the specific recalled product that they purchased.

Sample testing of the whey protein isolate in question used in the recalled products proved negative for salmonella. One bottle of each of the finished products being recalled was also tested by an independent laboratory (more than 20 tests) and all proved negative for salmonella. However, as a result of the dairys recall request and as an extra precautionary measure, consumers are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or replacement, receipt not required. New replacement products are available using whey protein isolate sourced from a different dairy.

The recalled products were packaged in white plastic bottles with black lids and colored labels that hold 5 ounces, 2 pounds, 3 pounds or 5 pounds of a protein powder. The product brands are Fitness Labs and Lindberg. Lot codes can be found in black ink on the bottom of each bottle. The product names and lot numbers are further identified as follows:

Salmonella infection often causes fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, salmonella infection can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.