Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted information about an urgent voluntary recall of two batches of imported blueberries that were distributed by a company out of the Los Angeles area. The freeze-dried blueberries were grown in Lithuania and distributed online and through retail stores across the United States.
According to the announcement, the recall was initiated because of the presence, or potential presence, of lead above the FDA's recommended limits. Fortunately, at the time of the recall posting, the company had not received any reports of adverse events related to the use of the freeze-dried blueberries.
The recall notice warns:
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.
“Many people don't associate lead exposure risks as ever coming from food products, for most, it's more likely to be concerns about contaminated water or dusts from old lead-based paints,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing's Huntington Beach facility. “However, in just the last few years, there have been a number of recalls due to elevated levels of lead found in everything from imported spices to candies. The FDA even recently issued draft action levels for lead in single-strength (ready to drink) apple juice and other single-strength juices and juice blends.”
Helping food manufacturers, processors, importers and distributors test for lead, and other chemical or microbial contaminants, are the food scientists at LA Testing. With multiple laboratory locations in California, they offer food, beverage and product testing services. This form of testing can be instrumental for safeguarding the public from needless exposure risks and for protecting companies from the high costs associated with product recalls.
To learn more about testing for contaminants and pathogens in food products, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California's leading laboratory for food, environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.
— WebWireID293372 —
