Supplements Recalled Over ‘Elevated Levels of Lead and Arsenic’

• Supplements were recalled in four states over potential lead and arsenic contamination.
• The potential contamination was discovered during an analysis by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
• Below is everything you need to know.

Four powdered supplements from Zaarah Herbals were recently recalled by their manufacturer due to potential “elevated levels of lead and arsenic,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. New York Wholesale Group recalled the brand’s Rasayan Churan, Gurmar Powder, Vasaka Powder, and Bhringraj Powder.

The products were distributed to retailers in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and California between December 20, 2024 and January 7, 2025, according to the recall. The supplement bottles are clear 3.5-ounce jars with gold lids. The potential for contamination was discovered during an analysis conducted by the food and standards division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, the recall said. If you believe you have impacted product, do not take the supplements. The affected batch numbers, manufactured dates, and UPC codes, all of which can be found on the back panels of the supplement bottles, are as follows.

• Bhringraj Powder: Batch BJ 04, Manufactured July 2022, UPC: 6 35028 99973 1
• Gurmar Powder: Batch GD 04, Manufactured July 2022, UPC: 6 35028 99969 4
• Vasaka Powder: Batch VK 04, Manufactured July 2022, UPC: 6 35028 99967 0
• Rasayan Churan: Batch RY 04, Manufactured July 2022, UPC: 6 35028 99966 3

The FDA explained that short-term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms aside from increased blood lead levels, and more overt symptoms of exposure vary depending on exposure volume, age, and body weight. For example, weeks to months of exposure to a fetus can cause permanent central nervous system damage resulting in long-term health problems and or developmental defects. For adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney dysfunction, hypertension, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive effects. Inorganic arsenic consumption has been associated with cancer, skin lesions, heart disease, and diabetes, the FDA said. In younger people and fetuses, it can contribute to neurodevelopment effects and increase cancer risk.