Recalls: Weight Loss And Dietary Supplements

The Associated Press

The following recalls have been announced:

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GMP Herbal Products Inc. is recalling Pai You Guo, a weight loss dietary supplement, because it contains drug ingredients not declared on the label. The product was found to contain phenolphthalein, a solution used in chemical experiments and a suspected cancer-causing agent that is not approved for marketing in the U.S.

The product was also found to contain sibutramine, which is known to substantially increase blood pressure and pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia or stroke.

The Westminster, Calif., company said it has not heard any reports of illnesses or injuries. The company said the Food and Drug Administration has not approved the Pai You Guo product as a drug, so its safety and effectiveness is not known.

The product was sold either in a box of 30 capsules or a bag of 10-gram powder packets. It was sold and distributed nationwide through the Internet. For more information, consumers can call 866-995-8585. Adverse reactions can be reported to the Food and Drug Administration at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.