Affected products contained elevated levels of lead and inorganic arsenic.
HARTFORD — An investigation by the Department of Consumer Protection’s Food and Standards Division (DCP) and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) has resulted in a Food and Drug Administration Recall for Zaarah Herbals products made and distributed by New York Wholesale Group.
A CAES analysis of samples collected by DCP from several Zaarah Herbals powders found the products contained significantly elevated levels of lead and inorganic arsenic, which can be harmful if consumed in high doses.
The following products are included in the recall:
- Zaarah Herbals, Bhringraj Powder, 100g (3.5 oz) (UPC: 6 35028 99973 1)
- Zaarah Herbals, Gurmar Powder, 100g (3.5 oz) (UPC: 6 35028 99969 4)
- Zaarah Herbals, Vasaka Powder, 100g (3.5 oz) (UPC: 6 35028 99967 0)
- Zaarah Herbals, Rasayan Churan, 100g (3.5 oz) (UPC: 6 35028 99966 3)
The Universal Product Code or UPC can be found on the back panel of the bottles. The clear 100g jars with a gold lid were distributed to retailers in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and California between December 20, 2024, and January 7, 2025.
Exposure to high levels of lead, a heavy metal, can cause anemia, seizures, and coma among other conditions and which can vary based on the level of exposure, age, or body weight. The consumption of inorganic arsenic has been linked to cancer, skin lesions and cardiovascular disease. Individuals that are pregnant are the most at-risk to chronic exposure.
There have been no illnesses reported to date. Consumers who have purchased these products should not consume them and can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact New York Wholesale Group at 1-800-516-7606, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. EST.
“Thank you to our great team in the Food and Standards Division and our partners at CAES, DPH and the FDA for their constant efforts to ensure that products on Connecticut shelves are safe to consume,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “The team’s analysis and collaboration with state and federal partners are essential to protecting Connecticut consumers, and in this case, may have helped consumers in our neighboring states as well.”
"This recall demonstrates the team’s diligence to ensure food safety and product quality,” said Food and Standards Director Frank Greene. “We are proud of the work our team does every day to keep Connecticut safe.”
“CAES scientists have been working with partners at DCP, DPH and at the FDA for decades to ensure that the CT food supply is free of harmful chemical contamination. This most recent finding and recall demonstrates the value and importance of this work both now and in the future,” said Dr. Christian Dimkpa, Chief Analytical Chemist at CAES.
Consumers who would like to file a complaint with the Department of Consumer Protection can email DCP.FoodandStandards@ct.gov.