US Federal Marshals, at the request of the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has seized 64 drums of imported bee's honey from a Philadelphia distribution center recently after it was learned that it contained a toxic antibiotic that could lead to serious injury or death.
The honey was imported by Sweet Works, Inc. of Monterey, California, from a company in China. It was subsequently sold to a Chicago company and placed in storage.
Following FDA testing of a sample of the honey product at the storage facility, it was discovered it contained a potent antibiotic drug called Chloramphenicol. People who are sensitive to Chloramphenicol may develop a type of bone marrow depression called aplastic anemia, which can be fatal. There is no treatment available for aplastic anemia and this side effect typically appears weeks or even months after taking Chloramphenicol. The antibiotic may also increase the risk for leukemia, and is not recommended for pregnant women.
Michiganders may access the National Honey Board website to locate honey suppliers within the state.
Beverly Mucha, Winona Cooking Examiner, wrote an excellent and informative article on honey including tips and warnings that may be accessed here.
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Comments
This is terrible. I hope the recall will take care of this issue and no one is affected by this awful mishap. There have been so many recalls of late, where are all the inspectors?
Wow scary! Hopefully no one will be effected!
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