Zaarah Herbals recalls dietary supplements due to elevated lead and arsenic levels

• Date Issued: March 10, 2025
• Announced by: FDA on March 10, 2025
• Company: New York Wholesale Group
• Product Name: Zaarah Herbals Rasayan Churan, Gurmar Powder, Vasaka Powder, and Bhringraj Powder
• Issue: Possible contamination with elevated levels of lead and arsenic
• Product Details: Dietary supplements packaged in 100g jars with gold lids
• Action to Take: Consumers should stop using the product immediately and return it for a full refund

Shall we learn more about this? Keep on reading!

What happened?

On March 10, 2025, the FDA announced a recall of four dietary supplement products from New York Wholesale Group under the Zaarah Herbals brand due to potential contamination with elevated levels of lead and arsenic. The issue was discovered following an analysis by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Food & Standards Division. The affected products were distributed to retailers in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and California between December 20, 2024, and January 7, 2025.

Affected products

Brand	Product Name	Batch No.	Mfg. Date	UPC
Zaarah Herbals	Bhringraj Powder	BJ 04	July 2022	6 35028 99973 1
Zaarah Herbals	Gurmar Powder	GD 04	July 2022	6 35028 99969 4
Zaarah Herbals	Vasaka Powder	VK 04	July 2022	6 35028 99967 0
Zaarah Herbals	Rasayan Churan	RY 04	July 2022	6 35028 99966 3

What caused the issue?

The contamination stems from elevated levels of lead and inorganic arsenic, which pose serious health risks. This type of contamination can occur due to environmental pollution, poor sourcing practices, or cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Threats of lead and arsenic contamination

• Lead Poisoning Risks:
  • Affects nearly every system in the body, particularly the nervous system.
  • Can cause learning disabilities, developmental delays, and cognitive issues in children.
  • Long-term exposure is linked to kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.
  • Pregnant women exposed to lead can pass it to their fetus, leading to serious birth defects.
• Arsenic Poisoning Risks:
  • Chronic exposure is associated with increased cancer risk, particularly skin, bladder, and lung cancers.
  • May cause skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
  • High exposure in children can lead to neurodevelopmental issues.
  • Symptoms of arsenic poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin discoloration.

Who is at risk?

• Children and infants (most vulnerable due to developing nervous systems)
• Pregnant women (risk of passing toxins to the fetus)
• Elderly individuals (more susceptible to kidney and cardiovascular effects)
• People with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses

Symptoms of lead and arsenic exposure

• Lead Exposure Symptoms: Fatigue, memory loss, headaches, abdominal pain, joint pain, and high blood pressure.
• Arsenic Exposure Symptoms: Skin changes, gastrointestinal distress, breathing difficulties, numbness, and long-term cancer risks.

No illnesses have been reported so far, but consumers are advised to stop using these products immediately.

10 questions you might have

1. How do I know if my product is part of the recall?
   Check the batch number on the back panel. If it matches BJ 04, GD 04, VK 04, or RY 04, it is recalled.
2. What should I do if I already consumed the product?
   Monitor for symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, or headaches. Consult a doctor if you feel unwell.
3. Are these products dangerous if consumed in small amounts?
   Long-term exposure to lead and arsenic is the primary concern, but even small amounts can accumulate in the body over time.
4. Can I get a refund if I don’t have the receipt?
   Many retailers will still offer a refund for recalled products without a receipt. Contact the place of purchase for details.
5. How was the contamination discovered?
   Testing by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection revealed elevated levels of lead and arsenic.
6. Are other Zaarah Herbals products affected?
   No, only the four listed products are currently under recall.
7. Has anyone gotten sick from these products?
   No illnesses have been reported at this time.
8. How does lead and arsenic get into herbal products?
   Contamination can occur due to soil pollution, water contamination, or inadequate quality controls during manufacturing.
9. Is the company taking steps to prevent future contamination?
   The company has not publicly detailed their corrective actions yet, but recalls like this typically lead to stricter quality control measures.
10. Where can I find more information on food and supplement recalls?
    You can visit the FDA’s recall page for updates and safety information.

Here’s what you should do

• Check the Label: Look for batch numbers BJ 04, GD 04, VK 04, or RY 04 on the back panel.
• Do Not Consume: If you have any of these products, discontinue use immediately.
• Return for Refund: Consumers can return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
• Contact the Company: Questions? Call 1-800-516-7606 (Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST).

Behind the brand

New York Wholesale Group is a supplier of dietary supplements and herbal products. Unfortunately, this is not the first recall they have issued. On January 27, the New York Wholesale Group issued a recall after tests by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection revealed elevated lead levels in Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder. Elevated heavy metal contamination has been a concern across the supplement industry. A similar recall was issued last November, when IHA Beverage discovered elevated lead leves in its Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz.

“In the rapidly evolving world of dietary supplements, quality control is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s the backbone of consumer trust and brand integrity. From ingredient selection to final distribution, every step demands strict oversight, including thorough supplier audits, routine contaminant testing, and open communication with retailers and customers. A recall like this underscores how even a single misstep can pose serious health risks and damage a brand’s reputation. In an industry where safety and trust go hand in hand, proactive vigilance is the key to protecting both consumers and businesses.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights the importance of rigorous quality control in the dietary supplement industry. Companies must:

• Conduct regular heavy metal testing to ensure product safety.
• Implement stringent supplier screening to prevent contaminated ingredients from entering the supply chain.
• Maintain transparent recall protocols to swiftly address safety concerns.

If you have purchased any of the recalled Zaarah Herbals products, remember to stop using them immediately and seek a refund.

Have questions about sourcing safe, high-quality ingredients? Contact Source86 today and explore compliant and trustworthy bulk ingredient sourcing! By working together, we can create a safer and more trustworthy supply chain for everyone!