The "Duh" FDA Action of the Month

A product called EphBurn 25 was found to contain ephedrine alkaloids. Brand New Energy, which marketed the product as a dietary supplement has issued a recall of all lots of the EphBurn 25 after FDA notified a third-party retailer tests revealed ephedrine contents, which make the product an unapproved drug.  EphBurn 25, was distributed to various retail stores nationwide, and the product was sold via the Internet from the period of time of approximately April 2010 through August 2012. Brand New Energy is a reseller of dietary supplements, including Zantrex 3, Trim Spa and Hydroxy Cut, although no other products distributed by the company are subject to recall.

FDA banned ephedra and its alkaloids from use in dietary supplements back in 2004. It had to seize some products in the short time following the ban, but this recall by Brand New Brands comes eight years after the ingredient was banned. Not sure if they thought the eyes watching ephedra-containing supplements had focused on other pursuits, but this action by FDA and the ensuing recall should serve as notice the agency is still looking for rogues trying to pass ephedra.

With a product name such as EphBurn 25, I'd think it would contain only other botanical stimulants and just use the spirit of ephedra to draw in a market. However, it instead drew the FDA to sample and test the product. It reminds me of the car I saw the other day with a bumper sticker talking about how crazy the driver inside operates her vehicle. Some people are just asking for enforcement action or, at the very least, increased attention and scrutiny from those who enforce the laws.

For more details on the EphBurn 25 recall, check the FDA website.