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:
- Check Official Recall Sources: Regularly check the U.S. FDA website and other relevant national regulatory bodies for the latest recall information on supplements.
- 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.
- Follow Recall Instructions: If your product is recalled, stop use and follow the instructions for returning or disposing of the item.
- Buy from Reputable Sellers: Purchase supplements from trusted retailers or directly from the manufacturer to reduce the risk of compromised products.
- 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.