Product Recalls: weight loss and dietary supplements, tree stands, backpack blowers

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Recalls: weight loss and dietary supplements

The following recalls have been announced:

GMP Herbal Products Inc. is recalling Pai You Guo, a weight loss dietary supplement, because it contains drug ingredients not declared on the label. The product was found to contain phenolphthalein, a solution used in chemical experiments and a suspected cancer-causing agent that is not approved for marketing in the U.S.

The product was also found to contain sibutramine, which is known to substantially increase blood pressure and pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia or stroke.

The Westminster, Calif., company said it has not heard any reports of illnesses or injuries. The company said the Food and Drug Administration has not approved the Pai You Guo product as a drug, so its safety and effectiveness is not known.

The product was sold either in a box of 30 capsules or a bag of 10-gram powder packets. It was sold and distributed nationwide through the Internet. For more information, consumers can call 866-995-8585. Adverse reactions can be reported to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.

IDS Sports is recalling select dietary supplements — Bromodrol, Dual Action Grow Tabs, Grow Tabs, Mass Tabs, and Ripped Tabs TR — because they may contain steroids. Steroids can cause acute liver injuries; an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and death; shrinkage of the testes; male infertility; masculinization of women; breast enlargement in males; short stature in children; an increased predilection to misuse drugs and alcohol; and adverse effects on blood lipid levels. No incidents have been reported. Details: by phone at 888-795-0444.

About 13,000 hang-on fixed position tree stands used for hunting, made in China and imported by Gander Mountain Co. of St. Paul, Minn., because the clasp can open unexpectedly if the strap is not fastened correctly. This would cause the tree stand to fall. The company has received two reports of people falling, including reports of a broken pelvis and arm for one user. The tree stands were sold at Gander Mountain stores between July 2008 and July 2009. Details: by phone at 888-542-6337; by Web at www.gandermountain.com or www.cpsc.gov.

About 85,000 Homelite backpack blowers, made in China and distributed by Homelite Consumer Products Inc. of Anderson, S.C., because the fuel tanks can leak. The company has received 18 reports of leaking fuel tanks, including one report of skin irritation. The blowers were sold at Home Depot, Direct Tools Factory Outlets, CPO Homelite, Gardner, Tap Enterprises, Isla Supply and Heartland America stores around the country between September 2007 and October 2009. Details: by phone at 800-242-4672, by Web at www.homelite.com or www.cpsc.gov.

About 6,400 EA30 bicycle stems, made in China and imported by Easton Sports, of Scotts Valley, Calif. The bicycle stem can crack and cause the rider to lose control, posing a risk of serious injury. The company received a report of a stem breaking, causing a minor injury to the rider. The bicycles with EA30 stems were sold at independent bicycle dealers nationwide from August 2007 through August 2009. The stems sold separately were sold from August 2007 through September 2009. Details: by phone at 866-892-6059; www.eastonbike.com or www.cpcs.gov.