Nature Made Vitamin Recall Issued Over Bacterial Contamination Hits Giant, Martin’s Stores

Several lots of “Nature Made” dietary supplements sold at Giant and Martin’s Food Markets have been recalled, due to a risk that they may be contaminated with micro-organisms that can pose serious and sometimes life threatening health consequences. 

The Pharmative Nature Made vitamin recall was announced by the FDA on June 8, after it was discovered that proper contamination testing was not performed on the products. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection to the recalled vitamins.

Pharmative LLC issued a press release on their company’s website, indicating that the products were not put through the correct, vigorous testing process used to identify contamination. Without the products at least being put through standard testing, Pharmative LLC stated the company cannot be certain the products are not contaminated with salmonella, staphylococcus aureus, yeast or mold.

Although no bacterium has been found at the facility or in any of the products, the FDA and Pharmative LLC are recalling all of the impacted products from Martin’s and Giant Food Stores where the supplements were sold.

All of the potential contaminants pose health consequences to consumers, especially those with weakened immune systems such as children or the elderly.

Salmonella, which is one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses recorded can cause life-threatening infections to the elderly and children, and has been known to cause miscarriages or stillbirths for pregnant women. The symptoms of the illness involve abdomen pain, headaches, diarrhea, and dehydration lasting about four to seven days.

Similarly, staphylococcus aureus infections cause many flu-like symptoms on a much more severe scale that, if left untreated, could develop into intense headaches, muscle cramping and transient changes in blood pressure and pulsed rates.

Ingestion of the dietary products containing mold or yeast may cause mild bowel discomfort, however in small doses the consumer’s stomach acid destroys mold once it is contacted. Individuals with mold allergies may be at an increased risk for additional symptoms triggered by the immune system including wheezing, itchy and runny nose, watery eyes, and rashes or irritations of the skin usually requiring medical attention.

Included in the recall are Nature Made Adult Gummies Multi with Lot # 1196066, Nature Made Adult Gummies Multi with Lot # 1196071 and 1205052, Nature Made Adult Gummies Multi + Omega 3s with Lot # 1173600, Nature Made Adult Gummies Multi for Her plus Omega-3s with Lot # 1196050, Nature Made Adult Gummies Hair, Skin, Nails, with Lot # 1198437, Nature Made Adult Gummies Hair, Skin, Nails, 150 count with Lot # 1198438, Nature Made Vitamin D 1000 IU Tablets with Lot #s 1147550, 1174782 and 1176755, Nature Made Vitamin D 1000 IU Tablets with Lot #s 1140172, 1175637 and 1176756, Nature Made Vitamin D 1000 IU Tablets with Lot # 1147978, Nature Made Super B Complex w/ C & Folic Acid Tablets with Lot # 1173779, Nature Made Super B Complex w/ C & Folic Acid Tablets with Lot #s 1173146 and 1204001.

Pharmavite announced the company investigators identified the cause of the error and are taking the necessary steps to prevent the error from occurring in the future. For a full list of the recalled items, including vitamin counts and UPC codes please visit the FDA’s recall notice.

Customers are being asked to stop using the recalled dietary supplements and discard any remaining products and return the receipt to any Giant or Martin’s Food Market for a full refund. For additional recall information or further questions customers may contact Giant/Martin’s Customer Service at 888-814-4268.