A dietary supplement company that prides itself on the use of pure, vital and fresh ingredients, has become the subject of recent criticism. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Eclectic Institute is currently in the process of recalling specific lots of supplement capsules after tests revealed dangerous contaminants. The manufacturer has recalled capsules containing Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) and Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) because of a potential Salmonella contamination.
The Eclectic Institute was founded in 1982 by two naturopathic physicians with the intentions of producing high quality dietary supplements to use in their clinic. They decided to develop and market their own line of botanical products using only organic herbs carefully grown and harvested and processed while fresh. Eclectic is committed to working with nature’s healing power, in the preparation of botanical products which nutritionally enhance total health and well-being.
Eclectic Institute formulates specific combinations of natural ingredients to nutritionally support health maintenance. As a part of their dietary supplement arsenal, Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) and Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) are intended to assist in the treatment of several conditions, ranging from lacerations to respiratory infections and thyroid conditions.
Unfortunately, random testing discovered a possible contaminant with deadly ramifications. According to an FDA Safety Communication, specific lots of its freeze-dried capsules containing Gotu Kola and Bladderwrack were found to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Salmonella is 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, 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, endocarditis and arthritis.
Due to the severe nature of Salmonella poisoning, Eclectic Institute has recalled the contaminated products. Eclectic Institute sold contaminated supplements to retailers, individuals, and health practitioners throughout the United States. The affected lots of Gotu Kola products were sold from September 14, 2011 to December 14, 2011. The affected lots of Bladderwrack products were sold from July 14, 2011 to December 14, 2011.
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