Popular B12 vitamins sold at ALDI have been recalled due to ‘undeclared’ peanuts.
New York-based Vita Warehouse Corp is voluntarily recalling one lot of Welby brand Vitamin B12 Energy Support gummy product 1000 mcg 140 gummies, Berkely Jensen Vitamin B12 1000 mcg 250 Gummies and VitaGlobe Vitamin B12 Extra Strength 60 Gummies, the FDA announced Monday.
The recall was initiated after ALDI, which operates 2,500 stores in the US, conducted routine testing to verify the accuracy of its ‘allergen-free’ labels. One of the test results indicated the potential presence of a peanut allergen.
Internal testing by the manufacturer verified the absence of peanuts, but the company still issued a recall out of an abundance of caution.
It’s unclear how many bottles of vitamin B12 supplements were included in the recalled lot.
The products were sold at ALDI and BJ’s stores nationwide, as well as Amazon.
The FDA said in its announcement: ‘People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the potential risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.’
No illnesses have been reported, and the FDA has not yet assigned a classification to the recall. However, the agency could label it ‘Class I’ due to the life-threatening risk.
A Class I recall describes ‘a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,’ according to the FDA.
Peanut allergens are one of the leading triggers of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that causes the immune system to release a flood of antibodies to ward off the foreign invader.
This causes skin reactions like hives, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and the airways to close in and restrict breathing.
Just over 6million Americans are allergic to peanuts, making up two percent of the population, most of whom are children.
Experts estimate 150 to 200 Americans die from food allergies every year due to anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that causes the immune system to release a flood of antibodies to ward off the foreign invader.
About one in four Americans report taking vitamins with B12, which plays a crucial role in forming red blood cells, which help deliver oxygen throughout the body.
It is also thought to support brain and DNA health.
Recalled supplements with VitaGlobe (left) and Berkley Jensen labels are pictured above
Recalled supplements from Welby are pictured above
The Aldi Welby bottles are clear with a white cap and have green, red and white labeling. The UPC code is 4099100290868.
Berkley Jensen supplements are in a clear bottle with a white cap and use red and pink labeling. The UPC code is 888670132487.
VitaGlobe has a clear bottle with a white cap and white and red labeling. The UPC code is 850005214670.
All products have the lot number 248046601 and an expiration date of October 2026.
The FDA urged customers who are allergic to peanuts and have purchased the products to return them to where they bought them for a full refund or discard them immediately. Consumers who suffer an allergic reaction should seek medical help immediately.
Consumers with questions can contact the company at 1-855-214-0100 Monday-Friday from 7:30am – 4pm EST.
