Hemp Pet Products Recalled Due to High Lead Levels, FDA Announces
A US company is voluntarily recalling a swathe of hemp tincture products, intended for dog, cat, and human consumption, after the Florida Department of Health tested some samples and found dangerous levels of lead.
The hemp company, MHR Brands, first announced the recall last month, then the notice was amplified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday, July 17.
The thin lead line
After being alerted by the Florida Department of Health, MHR Brands undertook its own independent investigation and concluded that the lead issue “related to graduated droppers provided by a third-party packaging supplier.”
In response, the Michigan-based hemp company has voluntarily recalled more than 50 affected product types and offered replacements to customers at no cost. These recalled products include Berry Flavored Tasty Drops, Made By Hemp – Hemp Extract Tincture, and Purfurred Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Dog Tincture.
The company has also discontinued its use of graduated droppers and switched to a new third-party packaging supplier.
Lead exposure can result in significant adverse health effects even in otherwise healthy individuals. According to the World Health Organization, “there is no known level of lead exposure that is considered safe.” The global health authority has linked exposure to the heavy metal with high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, headaches or abdominal pain, mood disorders, and impairments in memory and concentration in adults.
MHR Brands maintains that it hasn’t received any reports of such health defects from use of the recalled products. But, if any consumers do develop such symptoms, the company advises them to contact their physician or healthcare provider. As for the tinctures intended for pet consumption, the company had recommended that customers observe their pets and contact their veterinarian if needed, as symptoms of lead exposure in cats and dogs may be similar to those in humans.
CBD isn’t currently recognized as an approved food item or dietary supplement by the FDA. However, the federal agency still regularly issues warning letters to companies selling CBD products that claim to treat medical conditions.
