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What Collagen Brand Was Recalled? Recent Alerts and Consumer Safety Guide

3 min read

In 2023, Vital Proteins initiated a voluntary recall of nearly 60,000 canisters of its Collagen Peptides sold at Costco, highlighting significant safety concerns in the supplement industry. This emphasizes the importance of knowing what collagen brand was recalled and how to verify products to protect your health.

Quick Summary

Several collagen brands have faced recalls recently due to foreign material contamination, undeclared allergens, and pathogens. Review details on major recalls for brands like Vital Proteins, Nanjing Nutrabuilding, and Swisse Beauty to ensure product safety.

Key Points

  • Vital Proteins Recalled Collagen Peptides in 2023: A specific batch of 24oz unflavored collagen peptides sold at Costco was voluntarily recalled due to potential contamination with small plastic pieces.

  • Nanjing Nutrabuilding Recalled Bovine Collagen Powder in 2024: This recall was issued due to potential Salmonella contamination in a large batch of raw material.

  • Swisse Beauty Recalled Gummies in 2022: In Australia, a batch of their Collagen Glow Gummies was recalled due to visible mould contamination.

  • Fito Nature Boutique Recalled Vegan Collagen in 2023: This product was recalled in the UK because it contained undeclared soya, posing a risk to individuals with allergies.

  • Check Batch and UPC Codes for Verification: Recalls are often specific to certain lots or batches. Consumers must match their product's batch code to the recall notice to confirm if it is affected.

  • Purchase from Trusted Retailers and Look for Certifications: To minimize risk, buy from reputable sources and seek supplements with third-party certifications, which verify product quality and safety.

In This Article

Understanding Recent Collagen Recalls

The landscape of health supplements is constantly monitored, and recent years have seen several high-profile recalls involving collagen products. These recalls are often voluntary, initiated by the manufacturer in collaboration with regulatory bodies like the FDA or Australia's TGA, and are triggered by findings of contamination, undeclared allergens, or manufacturing issues. For consumers, staying informed about these alerts is crucial for maintaining personal safety and trust in the products they consume.

Notable Collagen Recalls

Several collagen brands have issued recalls in recent years for various reasons. These include:

  • Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (2023): A voluntary recall of specific 24-ounce Unflavored Collagen Peptides canisters sold at Costco due to potential foreign material contamination, specifically small pieces of plastic. The affected products had a UPC code of 857273008666, batch code 30095993HA, and a 'best by' date of 01-09-2028. The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, and consumers were advised to return the product for a refund.
  • Nanjing Nutrabuilding Bovine Collagen Peptide Powder (2024): Recalled by the FDA due to potential Salmonella contamination in a large batch distributed to Wisconsin. This was also a Class II recall.
  • Swisse Beauty Collagen Glow Gummies (2022): Recalled in Australia by the TGA due to contamination with Aspergillus penicillioides mould in a specific batch (number 106188, expiry 06/2023). Consumers were instructed to return the product.
  • Fito Nature Boutique Vegan Collagen (2023): Recalled in the UK by the Food Standards Agency because of undeclared soya in all capsules with batch code 110323 and a use-by date of 10 March 2028. This posed a risk to individuals with soya allergies.
  • BUBS Naturals Fountain of Youth Collagen Powder (2021): Recalled due to undeclared milk protein.

Comparison of Recent Collagen Recalls

Brand Product Recall Year Reason for Recall Primary Regulatory Agency Risk Level
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (24oz) 2023 Foreign material contamination (plastic shards) FDA Class II (Remote)
Nanjing Nutrabuilding Bio Tech Bovine Collagen Peptide Powder 2024 Pathogen contamination (Salmonella) FDA Class II (Remote)
Swisse Beauty Collagen Glow Gummies 2022 Mould contamination (Aspergillus penicillioides) TGA (Australia) Low for general population
Fito Nature Boutique Fito Vegan Collagen 2023 Undeclared allergen (soya) Food Standards Agency (UK) Health risk for allergic individuals
BUBS Naturals Fountain of Youth Collagen Powder 2021 Undeclared milk protein FDA Allergen risk

Philippine FDA Advisories

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued advisories against several unregistered collagen products, including specific varieties of Obvi® Super Collagen Protein (in 2022) and CEONELL Super Collagen + Vitamin C (in 2023). These are warnings about products that lack proper registration and have not undergone necessary safety and quality checks.

How to Stay Safe as a Consumer

Being proactive is essential for minimizing risks with supplements:

  1. Check Official Recall Sources: Regularly check the U.S. FDA website and other relevant national regulatory bodies for the latest recall information on supplements.
  2. Verify Batch Information: Compare the batch code and 'best by' date on your product with any recall notices, as recalls often affect only specific lots.
  3. Follow Recall Instructions: If your product is recalled, stop use and follow the instructions for returning or disposing of the item.
  4. Buy from Reputable Sellers: Purchase supplements from trusted retailers or directly from the manufacturer to reduce the risk of compromised products.
  5. Look for Third-Party Certifications: Consider supplements tested and certified by independent organizations like NSF International or ConsumerLab.com, which verify ingredients and check for contaminants.

Conclusion

Recent recalls serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of consumer vigilance in the supplement market. While recalls due to contaminants like plastic shards, pathogens, mould, and undeclared allergens are relatively infrequent, they highlight the need for consumers to stay informed. By regularly checking official recall sources and verifying product details, consumers can make safer choices and protect their health.

Useful Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

The Vital Proteins recall in 2023 was caused by the potential for foreign material contamination, specifically pieces of a broken plastic lid, in their 24-ounce Unflavored Collagen Peptides powder.

No, the recall was limited to a specific batch of the 24-ounce unflavored product (Batch code: 30095993HA, Best by: 01-09-2028) that was sold at Costco stores between April 17 and April 24, 2023.

First, stop using the product immediately. Check the batch code on your container against the recall notice. If it matches, return the product to the store where you bought it for a full refund.

For U.S. products, you can check the FDA's website for recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts. For recalls in other countries, check with the relevant food and drug administration, such as the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia or the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK.

Nanjing Nutrabuilding's Bovine Collagen Peptide Powder was recalled in June 2024 due to potential contamination with Salmonella bacteria, which can cause serious gastrointestinal illness.

Yes, but they can vary by country. In the U.S., dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA, but they are not approved by the agency before being sold. Looking for third-party certifications from organizations like NSF can help ensure product quality.

While it is generally safe to continue using products not affected by a specific recall, it is always wise to stay informed. Consider choosing products with independent quality certifications for an extra layer of assurance.

A voluntary recall is initiated by the company itself, often in consultation with a regulatory body, out of an 'abundance of caution.' A mandatory recall is ordered by the government when a company fails to recall a dangerous product voluntarily.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.