Health Law

Protein-Based Supplements Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

By Marler Clark

Last week, on March 17, 2011, Universal Nutrition of New Brunswick, NJ issued a voluntary recall of certain protein-based supplements that contain whey protein. Universal Nutrition is conducting this recall in conjunction with the manufacturer of the whey protein due to a potential risk that the whey protein is contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever and may even result in serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

The recall involves particular lot numbers for Gain Fast, LAVA, Real Gains, Super Whey Pro, Torrent, Ultra Mass 4500, Ultra Whey Pro and Uni-Syn, all of which contain whey protein.

Specifically, the following lot numbers are involved in this voluntary recall:

• Universal Gain Fast, Vanilla Shake, 2.55 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 180104 with Exp. Date 02/10/2014, UPC 039442012159\
• Universal LAVA, Orange Slush, 2.75 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 180013 with Exp. Date 02/10/2014, UPC 039442011503
• Universal Real Gains, Chocolate Ice Cream, 6.85 lb plastic bucket, Lot # 179922 A,  B with Exp. Date 02/01/2014, UPC 039442011992
• Universal Super Whey Pro, Vanilla, 1 lb bag, Lot # 179881 with Exp. Date 02/01/2014, UPC 039442015945
• Universal Torrent, Cherry Berry Blast, 3.28 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 180069 with Exp. Date 02/09/2014, UPC 039442048141
• Universal Torrent, Green Apple Avalanche, 3.28 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 179883 with Exp. Date 02/07/2014, UPC 039442048165
• Universal Torrent, Cherry Berry Blast, 6.1 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 180071 with Exp. Date 02/09/2014, UPC 039442048158
• Universal Torrent, Green Apple Avalanche, 6.1 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 180072 with Exp. Date 02/10/2014, UPC 039442048172
• Universal Torrent, Sour Citrus Rush, 6.1 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 180002 with Exp. Date 02/09/2014, UPC 039442048196
• Universal Ultra Mass 4500, Vanilla Shake, 9.3 lb plastic bucket, Lot # 180100 B with Exp. Date 02/09/2014, UPC 039442013507
• Universal Ultra Mass 4500, Chocolate Shake, 9.3 lb plastic bucket, Lot # 180099 B with Exp. Date 02/10/2014, UPC 039442013590
• Universal Ultra Whey Pro, Cookies & Cream, 5 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 179951 with Exp. Date 02/07/2014, UPC 039442016126
• Universal Uni-Syn, Strawberry, 76 g packet, Lot # 179911 A, B, C with Exp. Date February 2014, UPC 039442051783

According to the company's press release, the recall has been extended to all 50 states since the products were distributed through health food stores, gyms, and websites.

Although the manufacturer did not find Salmonella in any of the whey protein lots used by Universal Nutrition, the company is taking all necessary precautions in order to ensure the safety of its consumers. Universal Nutrition noted that it tests the whey protein upon receiving it from the manufacturer. Additionally, the company tested it again after being notified of the possible Salmonella contamination. The company reported that it 'performed over 40 analytical tests on the specific lot numbers in question with negative results for Salmonella in each and every case.'

Consumers who purchased any one of the affected lot numbers in question are asked to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or credit. Consumers with questions may contact Universal Nutrition directly at (732) 545-3130, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time.

Full post as published by Food Poison Blog on March 21, 2011 (boomark / email).