- Recall Announcement Date: January 27, 2025
- Issued By: FDA and New York Wholesale Group
- Brand/Product: Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder
- Reason for Recall: Elevated lead contamination detected
- Packaging Details: Sold in 100g (3.5 oz) jars with a gold lid, bearing UPC 63502899940
- Distribution Area: New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
- Action Needed: Do not consume. Return for a refund or contact the company for guidance.
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading!
What happened?
The recall was announced on January 27, 2025, by the New York Wholesale Group after tests by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection revealed elevated lead levels in Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder.
Affected product:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zaarah Herbals | Shatavari Powder | 100g (3.5 0z) | 63502899940 | JULY/2022 | Elevated lead levels |
The product was distributed between October 2022 and April 2024, reaching retailers across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Routine testing by Connecticut’s Food & Standards Division flagged the contamination, prompting immediate action. Fortunately, no illnesses have been reported to date.
What caused the issue?
Lead contamination is no small matter. Even trace amounts of lead can pose significant health risks, especially when exposure occurs over time.
Health Risks for Adults
- Kidney Dysfunction: Lead exposure can impair kidney function, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease over time.
- Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure is a common result of lead exposure, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Chronic exposure has been linked to a heightened risk of mortality from heart-related conditions.
- Neurocognitive Effects: Lead can affect brain function, causing memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and even cognitive decline in severe cases.
Health Risks for Pregnant Individuals and Children
- Central Nervous System Damage: Lead can cross the placenta, affecting fetal brain development. Prolonged exposure can lead to permanent damage to the central nervous system.
- Developmental Defects: Children exposed to lead are at risk for delayed growth, behavioral issues, and lower IQ levels.
- Learning Disorders: Long-term exposure can result in difficulties with learning, memory retention, and problem-solving skills.
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Pregnant Individuals: Lead exposure can harm fetal development, resulting in severe, lifelong consequences for the child.
- Infants and Young Children: Their developing brains and bodies are more vulnerable to lead toxicity, even at lower exposure levels.
- People with Pre-Existing Conditions: Those with kidney issues or cardiovascular disease are particularly susceptible to further complications from lead exposure.
- Elderly Individuals: Chronic exposure may exacerbate age-related health issues, including cognitive decline.
While no illnesses have been reported in this recall of dietary supplement products, the potential for serious, long-term health effects makes the issue urgent.
- What is the issue with Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder?
The product was found to contain elevated levels of lead, which can pose significant health risks with prolonged or high-level exposure. - How can I tell if my product is part of the recall?
Check the label for Batch No. SR 04 and Mfd. Date JULY/2022. The UPC is 63502899940. If these match, your product is affected. - What are the symptoms of lead exposure?
Symptoms vary but may include fatigue, abdominal pain, headaches, irritability, memory issues, and, in severe cases, kidney or neurological problems. - Who is most at risk from lead exposure?
Pregnant individuals, children, people with pre-existing conditions, and the elderly are the most vulnerable groups. - What should I do if I consume the product?
If you have consumed the product and are concerned, consult a healthcare provider for advice and potential blood lead testing. - How do I return the recalled product?
Return the affected product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Contact New York Wholesale Group for further assistance at 1-800-516-7606. - Is lead contamination common in herbal supplements?
While uncommon, lead contamination can occur due to poor sourcing practices or insufficient quality control during manufacturing. - Can I still use the product for non-consumption purposes?
No, the product should not be used for any purpose, as handling contaminated items could pose risks. It’s best to return or dispose of it as instructed. - What measures are being taken to prevent future recalls?
The company is likely reviewing sourcing and manufacturing processes to ensure better quality control and safety testing moving forward. - Where can I find safe alternatives to herbal supplements?
Choose products from reputable suppliers with strong quality assurance practices, like Ingredient Brothers, to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
Here’s what you should do
If you’ve purchased Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder:
- Do Not Consume It! Elevated lead levels can pose health risks.
- Check the Label: Look for Batch No. SR 04 and Mfd. Date JULY/2022 on the back panel of the jar.
- Return for Refund: Take the product back to the store where you purchased it.
- Questions? Call New York Wholesale Group at 1-800-516-7606, Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM EST.
Behind the brand
Zaarah Herbals is a well-known name in the herbal supplement market. With the growing demand for herbal products, maintaining rigorous quality control is more critical than ever. However, this isn’t the first recall involving contaminants. IHA Beverage recently recalled its Cinnamon Powder due to lead contamination, and Bestway Sandwiches Inc. recalled its Chicken & Cheese Taquitos due to metal contamination. These recent incidents highlight the importance of transparent testing and sourcing practices in the supplement industry.
“In today’s fast-paced supplement and food industries, quality control isn’t just a box to check—it’s the foundation of consumer trust and long-term success. Every step of the process, from ingredient sourcing to final distribution, requires unwavering diligence and proactive measures. This means rigorous supplier audits, regular testing protocols, and transparent communication with partners and customers. A single lapse in oversight can have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only safety but also brand credibility. In an industry where trust is paramount, vigilance is the key to safeguarding both consumers and reputations.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’s CEO.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall underscores why ingredient safety and sourcing standards matter. Elevated lead levels pose severe health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Companies must prioritize:
- Stronger Quality Control: Preventing contaminants at every stage of production.
- Proactive Testing: Regularly testing batches for harmful substances.
- Clear Communication: Rapidly informing consumers and retailers about potential risks.
At Source86, we prioritize high-quality, safety-tested ingredients to help manufacturers and brands avoid recalls like this one.
For more insights on safe sourcing or to explore our range of trusted ingredients, feel free to contact us today! Let’s work together to ensure the safety and quality your customers deserve.
