Solgar Recalls Supplement Because of Suspected Salmonella Contamination

WASHINGTON--A dietary supplement sold as a digestion aid may lead instead to a case of food poisoning. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced April 27 that Leonia, N.J.-based Solgar Vitamin and Herb is recalling more than 750 bottles of its Digestive Aid 100 Tablets due to concern that they may contain salmonella, a bacterium that can lead to food poisoning and typhoid fever. The product, which includes ingredients such as dicalcium phosphate, natural peppermint and vegetable stearic acid, had begun been distributed in the United States in March and April, although there is concern that this contamination may be as far-reaching as the United Kingdom, France and Israel where it had previously been distributed.

So far, no illnesses have been reported from taking this product and no further details were given as to what may have caused the contamination. The recalled product, which was distributed between March 30 and April 20, comes in a brown bottle with a yellow label that either has lot number 31993 or 30957 printed above the expiration date. Consumers can return this product for a refund, and any questions or concerns can be directed to the company by calling (201) 944-2311.

The full notice from FDA is available at www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2001/ANS01081.html. As of Monday afternoon, Solgar was still working on a public statement about the recall.