Metabolife Recalls Its Metabolife Diet & Energy Bars

San Diego, CA (SafetyAlerts) - Metabolife International has issued a voluntary recall of all of its Metabolife Diet & Energy Bars manufactured through May 4, 2001, because the products contain a significantly higher-than-labeled level of vitamin A (approximately 32,500 IU per bar).  The problem was reportedly due to an error by the contract manufacturer, MLO Products, Inc.

Excessive amounts of vitamin A can cause severe health problems. Specifically, large amounts of vitamin A (more than 25,000 International Units or IU) can cause severe liver damage (including cirrhosis), bone and cartilage abnormalities, increased pressure in the brain, and birth defects in infants whose mothers consumed vitamin A during pregnancy. Those especially vulnerable to vitamin A toxicity are children, including those breast fed by mothers consuming excessive amounts of vitamin A, pregnant women, and those with liver disease caused by alcohol, viral hepatitis, and severe protein-calorie deficiency, according to a statement by the company

The Metabolife Diet & Energy Bars were distributed from December 25, 2000, to May 4, 2001, to retail stores nationwide. The two-ounce dietary supplement bars have a red label that reads, in part, "Metabolife Diet & Energy Bar." These products come in Outrageous Oatmeal Raisin, Perfectly Peanut, Downright Chocolate and Lemony Lemon flavors. All lots produced to date are subject to this recall.

No illnesses from this product have been reported to date. No other Metabolife products are affected by this recall.

"Metabolife discovered the excessive vitamin A amounts during Metabolife's own quality assurance sampling audit, which was confirmed by independent testing by the manufacturer," stated Metabolife's CEO, David Brown. "We are voluntarily recalling this 4-month-old product as a responsible company."

Consumers who purchased a Metabolife Diet and Energy Bar should return it to the place of purchase for full refund, or destroy the product. Consumers with questions may call (800) 540-7099. Again, no other Metabolife products are affected by this recall.

Notice of this product warning was sent via email to SafetyAlerts subscribers May 8, 2001.  For more information regarding the SafetyAlerts free email alert service please click here.