US warns about 13 Chinese herb products

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US warns about 13 Chinese herb products

WASHINGTON, Jun 21 (Reuters) - US health officials warned consumers on

Wednesday to stop using 13 Chinese herb products containing a chemical that

regulators say may cause kidney damage.

The products contain aristolochic acid, a plant chemical linked to kidney

failure and an increased risk of kidney cancer, the Food and Drug

Administration (FDA) said in a statement.

The products were distributed nationwide in small quantities primarily to

acupuncturists, herbalists and herbal stores, the FDA said.

The manufacturer, Blue Light Inc. of Ithaca, New York, is recalling the

products, which were sold under the brand name " Treasure of the East " and

carried numbers of 200008 or lower to indicate they were made in August

2000.

Products with the numbers 200009 or higher on the labels are not affected.

Blue Light has discontinued distribution of the recalled products, which

come in powder or capsule form.

No illnesses from the products have been reported, the FDA and the company

said.

Consumers who have bought products being recalled may return them to the

place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions should call

1-888-258-3548.

The recalled products were sold under the names Guan Mu Tong, Ma Dou Ling

(Mi), Ba Zheng San, Dang Gui Si Ni Tang, Dao Chi San, Fu Fang Di Hu Tang,

Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan, Kou Yan Ning, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, Pai Shi Tang, Xiao

Ji Yin Zi, Xin Yi San and Yang Yin Xiao Yang Tang.