Aloha Protein Powders Recalled for Staphylococcal Food Poisoning Fear
Project Healthy Living Inc., a New York company doing business as Aloha Inc., has issued a voluntary recall of its Premium Protein powder, which comes in vanilla and chocolate and vanilla blends. The recall was initiated because of a fear that some of these products may have been contaminated with Staphylococcus enterotoxin.
Thus far, at least 17 people have complained to the company about having developed transient gastrointestinal symptoms that medical experts say are consistent with staphylococcal food poisoning.
Included in the recall are all Aloha Vanilla and Chocolate Premium Protein products in every package size available. These products were available from a few New York retailers, but they were also available directly from the company’s website. They were sold nationwide from Nov. 2014 through Jan. 2015. The product came packaged in either a 14-serving steel tin or a single-serving pouch. In some cases, a single-serving pouch came in a kit along with products that are not part of the recall.
After the complaints, Aloha began testing along with everyone throughout the supply chain, including manufacturers, suppliers, co-packers and distribution partners, in order to determine the exact source of the contamination. The company has halted production and distribution for the time being, and they have notified their online customers via email to alert them to the recall.
Staphylococcal food poisoning is a fast-acting gastrointestinal illness that is usually caused when someone consumes foods contaminated with one of several Staphylococcus bacteria. The contamination usually happen when food handlers are contaminated and fail to wash their hands after handling food. In some cases, it can be found in unpasteurized dairy products, but they are sometimes found in sliced meats, sandwiches and pudding.
Because staphylococcal toxins move fast, symptoms of illness can start as quickly as a half hour after exposure and usually within the first six hours. The symptoms associated with type of illness include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The infected person will usually be sick for one to three days. In some cases, however, the illness may be more severe, and could include headache, muscle cramping, dehydration, and even a racing pulse and dangerous changes in blood pressure.
Anyone who has purchased any of these Aloha Premium Protein products should stop using it immediately, and either throw the product away or fill out the form at Aloharecall.com to begin the return process to the company, which will be fully refunded, including shipping.
If you have purchased any of these products, please follow the recall instructions exactly. If you or a loved one has become ill with any of the symptoms described above, please see a doctor immediately. Then, if you are diagnosed with Staphylococcal food poisoning or any other type of foodborne illness, Â contact the Texas Food Poisoning Injury Lawyer at Hill Law Firm as soon as possible, to speak with lawyers who have the experience to protect your rights.