FDA alerts danger-“natural” weight loss pills contain toxic bumetanide

2009-02-09 23:21:24 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Health & Law, Justice News Flash)

Wiki Image:FDA alerts undeclared dangerous drug in weight loss pills

StarCaps “natural” weight loss pills violate federal laws possibly causing harm. Legal news stories for New York product injury lawyers by JusticeNewsFlash.com

New York, NY (JusticeNewsFlash.com)–The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) www.fda.gov, claims StarCaps, weight loss capsules, contain a potent pharmaceutical drug called bumetanide. This is a clear violation of federal law. StarCaps is promoted as a natural dietary supplement promoting weight loss and sold by American retailers GNC and Vitamin Shoppe. The capsules do not require a prescription by a medical doctor and have been promoted by celebrities like Kathi Lee Gifford reported the New York Times on Monday.

This product has now been added to a long list, of over the counter weight loss supplements, recalled by the FDA determined to contain hidden and potentially harmful drugs. The FDA’s list now has 69 diet pills and most are manufactured in China. Medical doctors say over the counter supplements and weight loss products containing undeclared drugs in their ingredients can cause problems like elevated blood pressure and seizures.

Unfortunately, the FDA does not have the authority to remove products from store shelves. The manufacturer has to agree to voluntarily recall their product if the FDA determines it is harmful. The FDA has to file in federal court an injunction and possibly criminal charges against companies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). This process takes time and products can remain on retail shelves for sale to innocent consumers.

StarCaps is manufactured in Peru and distributed by Balanced Health Products, an American distributor, who agreed to voluntarily recall their pills.