FDA Alerts on Hidden Drug Ingredients and Food Safety Concerns

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings regarding two products marketed for joint pain: FTX PLUS and REUMA KING. Both products were found to contain undeclared drug ingredients, specifically dexamethasone phosphate and diclofenac in FTX PLUS, and dexamethasone, diclofenac, and methocarbamol in REUMA KING. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that can impair immune function and cause serious side effects, including high blood sugar levels and psychiatric issues. Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), poses risks of cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal damage. Methocarbamol, a muscle relaxant, can lead to sedation and dizziness.

FDA - Food and Drug AdministrationFDA - Food and Drug AdministrationPsychiatric TimesFrontiers in Medical TechnologyDaily MailFDA chief de­tails ‘in­tense in­ves­ti­ga­tion’ in­to al­leged child deaths from Covid-19 shots

The FDA advises consumers to cease use of these products immediately and consult healthcare professionals for safe discontinuation, particularly due to the risks associated with corticosteroid withdrawal. The agency emphasizes the importance of reporting any adverse effects related to these products through its MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

FDA - Food and Drug Administration

In a separate health alert, the FDA announced a recall of over 22,000 containers of fruit juices produced by Evergreen Orchard Farm. The recall affects Korean Pear, Grape, and Jujube juices, which were found to lack proper pasteurization records. Pasteurization is crucial for eliminating harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Although no illnesses have been reported, the FDA classified this as a Class II recall, indicating a remote probability of serious health consequences.

Daily MailFDA - Food and Drug AdministrationFDA - Food and Drug AdministrationFrontiers in Medical TechnologyPsychiatric Times

The juices were sold in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, as well as directly from the farm. The FDA noted that the absence of pasteurization records raises concerns about potential contamination during production, particularly if irrigation water was tainted.

Daily Mail

These incidents highlight ongoing concerns regarding the safety of dietary supplements and food products in the U.S. The FDA's warnings about hidden drug ingredients in supplements like FTX PLUS and REUMA KING underscore the risks consumers face when using products marketed as "natural" or "dietary." Similarly, the fruit juice recall emphasizes the critical need for proper food safety practices, including pasteurization, to protect public health.

FDA - Food and Drug Administration

The FDA has reiterated its commitment to consumer safety by advising against the use of products with hidden drug ingredients and ensuring that food products meet safety standards. The agency encourages consumers to report any adverse events related to these products, reinforcing the importance of vigilance in product safety.

FDA - Food and Drug Administration

Consumer advocacy groups have criticized the prevalence of unregulated dietary supplements and the lack of stringent oversight that allows such products to enter the market. They argue that more robust regulations are necessary to protect consumers from potentially harmful ingredients.

FDA - Food and Drug Administration

• “Consumers should exercise caution before purchasing these products.” — FDA Statement

FDA - Food and Drug Administration

These alerts serve as a reminder for consumers to remain vigilant and informed about the products they choose to use and consume.

FDA - Food and Drug Administration