Hydroxycut Recalled
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On Friday, consumers were warned that Hydroxycut, a line of weight-loss products, was responsible for a death due to liver failure and other adverse health events. The company that produces Hydroxycut voluntarily recalled 14 of its products. The FDA has received 23 reports of adverse health effects in Hydroxycut users and one instance of a consumer who required a liver transplant.
The Hydroxycut brand, which has been widely sold at national chain stores including GNC and the Vitamin Shoppe, includes pills, drinks and powders marketed to increase energy, burn calories and fat, and control appetite. The maker reported selling more than nine million units of the brand last year, according to the F.D.A.
This latest recall brings to light the issue of whether the FDA has the authority to regulate dietary supplements and protect the consumer. Unlike prescription drugs that require proof of safety and effectiveness before getting the federal approval to be sold, dietary supplements do not need such FDA approval before being placed on the market. Instead, it is up to the manufacturers of these products to ensure the safety of their dietary supplements.
In the past few months, the FDA has made efforts to clamp down on tainted weight-loss pills that illegally contain prescription drug ingredients. The Agency has determined that 70 different brands contain potentially hazardous drugs.
Until recently, it seemed that the manufacturer-led testing was enough to protect the consumer. The FDA uncovered this recent threat to consumers because of a new law requiring manufacturers to notify the FDA of adverse events linked to Hydroxycut use. Also, the FDA noted reports from medical journals referring to liver disease being diagnosed in formerly healthy people who had used Hydroxycut.
Vitamin Shoppe and GNC have removed Hydroxycut from their stores and websites.
To learn more, click here.