Lead Testing Laboratory

Chicago, IL, August 5^th , 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently posted information about the recall of several Chinese herbal supplements. An Illinois company initiated the recall of three different supplements after FDA sampling found they contained high levels of lead which exceeded the new daily limit guidelines of 3 µg per day for children and 12.5 µg per day for adults.

According to the company’s notice, the recall was announced the day after they were informed of the situation by the FDA. The sale of the three products was suspended and inventory put on hold while the agency and the company investigate the source of the problem. Consumers who have purchased the products should not consume them and are urged to return them. The supplements were distributed by mail order and sold in some clinics in the Chicago area.

The FDA reports that lead can accumulate in the body over time and too much of it can cause serious and sometimes permanent adverse health consequences. People with high blood levels of lead may show no symptoms, but the condition may cause damage to the nervous system and internal organs. Acute lead poisoning may cause a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody or decreased urinary output. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning.

“This case is a reminder to companies that manufacture, distribute or import supplements or food items that testing for lead, other heavy metals and microbial contaminants could help to avoid these types of costly recalls and damaging public relations,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we offer comprehensive supplement, pharmaceutical and food testing services to help businesses identify contamination issues and comply with existing regulations to protect the health and safety of consumers.”

To learn more about supplement, pharmaceutical, consumer product or food testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.