FDA Investigates Lead-Containing Supplement: Health And Wellness Industry Roundup

Two deaths potentially are linked to use of a lead-containing supplement branded Life Rising DHZC-2 that a Chicago firm is recalling and that also is associated with three adverse event reports for children. The firm, Ton Shen Health, on Aug. 11 initiated a recall of the product sold nationwide in retail stores and distributed through mail orders and on Aug. 30 expanded the recall after lead was found in additional batches. FDA, the Cook County, Ill., Department of Health and Chicago agencies are investigating adverse events, including two deaths, possibly linked to Life Rising supplements from Ton Shen Health. The agency also says it is reviewing regulatory options to remove all potentially unsafe Life Rising products from the market. Earlier in 2016, FDA investigated lead poisoning linked to Bentonite Me Baby medicinal clay made by Alikay Naturals after receiving an advisory from Minnesota officials. ([A#PS108142])

Health, wellness and nutritional product manufacturer and retailer [Vitamin Shoppe Inc.] enters its second foreign market, Costa Rica, with three franchise stores operated by Vita Vida Limitada, an affiliate of its franchise partner in Panama, where it is opening two additional stores. The Secaucus, N.J.-based firm, which closed its three Canadian stores in late 2015, on Aug. 31 said its and Vita Vida staff worked more than two years to register products offered in the stores that opened the same day in in San Jose, Costa Rica's capital and largest city