Angelicae Sinsensis Herb Recalled In Massachusetts

ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS — The Rhode Island Department of Health is advising customers that Murray Int'l Trading, a Brooklyn, NY-based supplies and equipment wholesaler, is recalling the Herbal Doctor Brand Angelicae Sinensis because it may contain elevated levels of lead and cadmium. The product has been sold in Massachusetts stores.

Angelicae sinensis is a dried root herb often used to make soup, or herbal medicines. The Herbal Doctor Brand Angelicae Sinensis is packed in a green plastic bag weighing 12 and 16 ounces, the RIDH said.

Lead and cadmium are toxic substances, RIDH said. Small amounts of each substance are present everywhere, and generally do not pose much of a risk. However, exposure to larger amounts can lead to a number of symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, weakness, behavior or mood changes, delirium, seizures, and coma. In younger children and fetuses, chronic exposure can lead to learning disabilities, developmental delays, and lower IQ scores.

Symptoms vary depending on the person's age, and the amount of duration of exposure.
The FDA initiated the recall after routine sampling showed elevated levels of lead and cadmium, RIDH said. The product was distributed in retail stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Virginia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Texas.

Consumers who purchased the product can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone with questions can call Murray Int'l Trading at 718-230-7888 Monday to Friday from 9 to 5 EST.