Nutrition Express Voluntarily Recalls Protein Supplements Because Of Possible Health Risk

Date of Recall

2011-03-30

Recall Details

- March 29, 2011 - Nutrition Express of Torrance, CA is voluntarily recalling specific products containing whey protein isolate sourced from one supplier because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella 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.

A limited number of products were sold between December 1, 2010 and February 17, 2011. They were sold through two channels. 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, California. 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 February 22, 2011 by Nutrition Express regarding the specific recalled product that they purchased.

Nutrition Express is conducting this voluntary recall as a result of a recall by the supplier of the ingredient in question, a dairy in Minnesota. Sample testing of the whey protein isolate in question used in the below products proved negative for Salmonella. One bottle of each of the finished products being recalled was also tested by an independent laboratory (over 20 tests) and all proved negative for Salmonella. However, as a result of the dairy's 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 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:

Protein Blend Vanilla 5-Ounce and 5-Pound Lots 55335, 55336, 55337, 55890.
MuscleFit Vanilla 5-Pound Lot 55419; Chocolate 5-Pound Lots 55423, 55424; Strawberry 5-Pound Lot 55427.
NutraFit Chocolate 3-Pound Lot 55348; Strawberry 3-Pound Lot 55346.
WheyFit Protein Vanilla 5-Pound Lot 55609; Chocolate 5-Pound Lots 55407, 55408; Strawberry 5-Pound Lots 55397, 55398; Natural Vanilla 5-Pound Lot 55399; Natural Chocolate 2-Pound and 5-Pound Lot 55393.
WheyFit Isolate Vanilla 2-Pound Lot 55349; Chocolate 2-Pound and 5-Pound Lots 55302, 54991; Strawberry 5-Pound Lot 55350.

If you have any questions, you may call 800-754-8000 Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm PST.

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