Now, USFDA finds lead in Baidyanath dietary supplements

After Swiss multinational Nestle faced heat in India over lead in its Maggi noodles, it is turn of Indian ayurvedic pharma firm Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan to get the metal rap in the US.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in a recent update, has asked consumers in the US to immediately stop using ayurvedic dietary supplements of Shree Baidyanath as they contained high levels of lead and/mercury. Stating that the products can cause serious health problems, the FDA has asked consumers to consult their healthcare provider.

Even if the consumer is not having symptoms and feel healthy, the person could have high levels of lead or mercury in the body, it said, adding "Pregnant women and parents of children who may have taken any of these products should ask their health care provider whether medical testing may be warranted."

However, no complaints or illnesses have been received to date.

Testing by the New York Department of Health and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found out presence of these metals in high levels, the drug regulator said.

FDA has asked consumers to avoid nine Baidyanath products – Agnitundi Bati, Arogyavardhini Bati, Brahmi Bati, Chitrakadi Bati, Gaisantak Bati, Marichyadi Bati, Saptamrit Lauh, Rajahpravartini Bati, Sarivadi Bati and Shankh Bati.

The products are manufactured by Shree Baidyanath in India and sold in the US at retail and online. One major US-based retailer has already recalled the products, and the FDA said it is identifying other companies that may have sold the products.

New York-based Butala Emporium Inc, a major Baidyanath retailers in the US, in a separate release said it is voluntarily recalling 11 Ayurvedic (dietary) supplements because the products were found to contain elevated lead and mercury levels which may cause health problems to consumers, particularly infants, small children, pregnant women, and those with underlying kidney disorders if consumed.

According to Butala, the concentration of lead exceeds the recommended daily lead exposure for children less than 6 years of age and women of childbearing age and would likely be injurious to health.

"If a child or a pregnant woman is exposed to lead for a protracted period of time (e.g. weeks to months) permanent damage to the central nervous system, learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems can occur. The problems that might occur are dependent on the duration and degree of exposure," the company said in its statement on FDA's website.

The elevated mercury levels in these products with short-term use can cause kidney, stomach and intestinal (or gut) symptoms, while month-long use of these products could be potentially lethal, it said. Mercury consumption at these levels can also cause psychiatric and personality disturbances, ataxia (or loss of coordination), visual loss, hearing loss, and other neurological conditions, particularly exposed in utero.

The 80-count-capsules are packed in white, plastic bottles with green, yellow or orange labelling under the brand name 'Baidyanath' made by Shree Baidyanath, Kolkata, and top cap sticker with imported by Butala Emporium.