Universal Nutrition Protein Supplements Recall: Salmonella Contamination

Concerns about potential salmonella contamination has led to the recall of a number of protein supplements distributed by Universal Nutrition, including Gain Fast, LAVA, Torrent, Ultra Mass 4500 and other whey protein products.

The Universal Nutrition protein supplement recall was announced on March 17 by the FDA after it was determined that there may be salmonella contamination of the whey protein the company bought from a supplier.

Universal Nutrition has said that while there are concerns about its supplier’s whey protein, the company’s tests have not detected salmonella in any of their products and there have been no reports of salmonella food poisoning in connection to Universal Nutrition whey protein products.

The manufacturer of the whey protein, which was not identified in the recall announcement, is working with the FDA on the problem with its supply.

The protein supplement recall affects 13 different Universal Nutrition products, distributed nationwide, including:

• Universal Gain Fast, Vanilla Shake, 2.55 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 180104 with Exp. Date 02/10/2014, UPC 039442012159
• Universal LAVA, Orange Slush, 2.75 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 180013 with Exp. Date 02/10/2014, UPC 039442011503
• Universal Real Gains, Chocolate Ice Cream, 6.85 lb plastic bucket, Lot # 179922 A, B with Exp. Date 02/01/2014, UPC 039442011992
• Universal Super Whey Pro, Vanilla, 1 lb bag, Lot # 179881 with Exp. Date 02/01/2014, UPC 039442015945
• Universal Torrent, Cherry Berry Blast, 3.28 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 180069 with Exp. Date 02/09/2014, UPC 039442048141
• Universal Torrent, Green Apple Avalanche, 3.28 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 179883 with Exp. Date 02/07/2014, UPC 039442048165
• Universal Torrent, Cherry Berry Blast, 6.1 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 180071 with Exp. Date 02/09/2014, UPC 039442048158
• Universal Torrent, Green Apple Avalanche, 6.1 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 180072 with Exp. Date 02/10/2014, UPC 039442048172
• Universal Torrent, Sour Citrus Rush, 6.1 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 180002 with Exp. Date 02/09/2014, UPC 039442048196
• Universal Ultra Mass 4500, Vanilla Shake, 9.3 lb plastic bucket, Lot # 180100 B with Exp. Date 02/09/2014, UPC 039442013507
• Universal Ultra Mass 4500, Chocolate Shake, 9.3 lb plastic bucket, Lot # 180099 B with Exp. Date 02/10/2014, UPC 039442013590
• Universal Ultra Whey Pro, Cookies & Cream, 5 lb plastic bottle, Lot # 179951 with Exp. Date 02/07/2014, UPC 039442016126
• Universal Uni-Syn, Strawberry, 76 g packet, Lot # 179911 A, B, C with Exp. Date February 2014, UPC 039442051783

The products were distributed through health food stores, gyms and through the internet.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing mild to severe food poisoning. For most healthy adults, symptoms of food poisoning from salmonella typically resolve after a few days or weeks. However, young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems have an increased risk of suffering severe food poisoning after ingesting the bacteria. If not properly treated, some cases of salmonella food poisoning can lead to hospitalization, dehydration or death.

Anyone who purchased the affected protein supplements should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can call Universal Nutrition at 732-545-3130.