Which collagen has been recalled? A comprehensive guide to supplement safety

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 59,700 canisters of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides were voluntarily recalled in 2023 by Costco due to potential foreign material contamination, leaving many to wonder which collagen has been recalled and what other safety issues exist. This guide details specific product recalls and provides a broader overview of collagen supplement safety concerns to help you make informed decisions.

Quick Summary

Major brands like Vital Proteins have recalled products recently due to contamination, while others like Fito Vegan were recalled for undeclared allergens. Consumers should check affected batch numbers and remain cautious, as the supplement industry faces broader issues, including heavy metal concerns due to limited FDA regulation.

Key Points

Vital Proteins Recalled a Specific Batch (2023): A large batch of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides sold at Costco was recalled due to potential contamination with plastic fragments from a broken lid.
Allergen Recalls Have Occurred: Products like Fito Vegan Collagen capsules were recalled in the UK for containing undeclared soya, a risk for individuals with allergies.
Mold Contamination Poses Risk: The Swisse Beauty Collagen Glow Gummies were recalled in Australia for containing mold, which can be a risk, especially for immunocompromised individuals.
Heavy Metal Contamination is a Broader Concern: The supplement industry is not strictly regulated by the FDA, leading to general safety concerns about heavy metal content (e.g., lead, arsenic) in various products, including collagen.
Check Batch Numbers and Official Sources: Consumers should verify recall information by checking specific product batch codes against official notices from regulatory bodies like the FDA or FSA.
Choose Third-Party Tested Products: Given the varying levels of regulation, opting for collagen supplements that have undergone independent third-party testing for contaminants is a safer approach.

Specific Collagen Recalls in Recent Years

While a single, widespread recall affecting all collagen products has not occurred, several specific brands and batches have been voluntarily recalled by companies or targeted by regulatory warnings for safety reasons. These incidents highlight the importance of staying informed about specific products you consume.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Recall (2023)

In a significant voluntary recall that began in April 2023, Vital Proteins, a brand owned by Nestlé Health Science, removed a specific batch of its Collagen Peptides from shelves. The recall affected nearly 60,000 canisters and was initiated after the discovery of potential foreign material contamination.

Affected Product: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (unflavored), 24 oz plastic canister.
Batch Code: 30095993HA.
UPC Code: 857273008666.
Reason for Recall: Potential contamination with pieces of a broken plastic lid.
Distribution: Sold at Costco stores and online between April 17 and April 24, 2023, across 20 states and Puerto Rico.
Consumer Action: Customers with the affected batch were advised to stop consumption and return the product to Costco for a full refund.

Fito Vegan Collagen Capsules Recall (2023)

Another important recall occurred in the UK in June 2023, but it was centered on an undeclared allergen rather than physical contamination.

Affected Product: Fito Vegan Collagen capsules.
Reason for Recall: The product contained undeclared soya, posing a risk to individuals with a soya allergy.
Batch Code: 110323.
Consumer Action: Anyone with a soya allergy was warned not to consume the product and to return it for a refund.

Swisse Beauty Collagen Glow Gummies Recall (2022)

In May 2022, Swisse recalled a batch of its Beauty Collagen Glow Gummies in Australia.

Affected Product: Swisse Beauty Collagen Glow Gummies.
Batch Code: 106188.
Reason for Recall: Contamination with a specific type of mold, Aspergillus Penicillioides. While the risk was deemed low for the general population, it was a concern for immunocompromised individuals.

Bulletproof Collagen Protein Recall (2018)

An older, but relevant, recall was issued by Bulletproof 360, Inc. in 2018 for its Collagen Protein due to undeclared milk allergen. The recall has since been terminated, but it serves as an example of the risks associated with inadequate labeling.

Broader Collagen Supplement Safety Concerns

Beyond specific recalls, there are systemic issues in the supplement industry that consumers should be aware of, including varying regulatory oversight and potential for contaminants.

Heavy Metal Contamination

Unlike pharmaceuticals, the FDA does not have the same level of authority to regulate dietary supplements, including collagen. This limited oversight is a key concern, particularly regarding heavy metal contamination, which is a known issue for protein powders and other supplements. A 2018 Consumer Reports study found detectable levels of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium in many popular protein powders. Consumers can mitigate this risk by choosing products that are third-party tested and certified for purity.

Unregistered Products and Labeling Issues

Regulatory bodies in various countries, including the Philippine FDA, frequently issue public health warnings against unregistered or unapproved collagen products. These products may contain incorrect ingredients, unverified doses, or harmful contaminants. It is crucial to purchase supplements from reputable retailers and manufacturers who transparently provide product information and quality assurances.

Comparison of Recent Collagen Recalls


Feature	Vital Proteins (2023)	Fito Vegan (2023)	Swisse Beauty (2022)
Recalled Product	Collagen Peptides (Unflavored)	Vegan Collagen Capsules	Collagen Glow Gummies
Reason	Foreign material (plastic lid fragments)	Undeclared soya allergen	Mold contamination (Aspergillus Penicillioides)
Affected Batch	30095993HA	110323	106188
Distribution	Costco stores and online in 20 U.S. states and Puerto Rico	UK distribution	Nationwide in Australia
Issuing Body	Voluntary recall by Vital Proteins and Costco	Fito Nature Boutique, FSA Alert (UK)	Swisse Wellness, TGA (Australia)

How to Check if Your Collagen Product Has Been Recalled

To ensure the safety of your supplements, follow these steps to check for current and past recalls:

Check official government websites: Regularly visit the websites of regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for the latest recall information.
Verify brand and batch numbers: Compare the batch code and UPC number on your product container with the details listed in any official recall notice. A brand recall may only affect a very specific batch. For example, in the Vital Proteins recall, only the specific 24 oz batch was impacted, not other products from the same brand.
Read third-party testing reports: Choose brands that use independent labs to test for purity, including heavy metals. This information is often available on the brand's website or through third-party certifiers.
Stay updated with news sources: Reputable health and food safety news outlets often report on recalls as they happen, providing timely alerts.

Conclusion

The question of which collagen has been recalled does not have a single answer, as recalls typically affect specific batches of individual products for distinct reasons. Consumers should be aware of recent incidents involving major brands like Vital Proteins (foreign material) and allergen-related recalls for products like Fito Vegan capsules. Due to limited regulatory oversight in the supplement industry, it is essential for consumers to stay vigilant. By checking for third-party certifications and referencing official recall databases, you can minimize potential risks and ensure the safety of your collagen supplements.

For more detailed information on a specific allergen recall, you can consult the official alert on the Food Standards Agency (UK) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The recall affected the 24 oz plastic canisters of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (unflavored) with batch code 30095993HA and UPC 857273008666, and a 'best by' date of 01-09-2028.

The voluntary recall was initiated due to a potential foreign material contamination, specifically, the possibility of small pieces from a broken blue plastic lid being present in some canisters.

If you have a canister from the affected batch, you should not consume it. You should return the product to the Costco store where it was purchased for a full refund.

No, the 2023 recall only affected a single, specific batch code and product size of the unflavored Collagen Peptides. No other Vital Proteins products were affected by that particular issue.

To check for recalls on other products, visit the official websites of health and food safety regulatory bodies like the FDA (U.S.) or FSA (UK). Always cross-reference the batch and UPC numbers on your product with the official recall notices.

Yes, beyond specific recall events, there are risks associated with the supplement industry's limited regulation. Concerns include undisclosed allergens and contamination with heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic.

Look for supplements from reputable brands that undergo independent, third-party testing and certification for purity and potency. These certifications verify that the product is free from harmful contaminants like heavy metals.

Yes, regulatory agencies occasionally issue warnings against unregistered or falsely labeled products. The Philippine FDA, for example, has issued multiple advisories about unregistered collagen supplements with misleading claims.