In the US, an Ohio dairy is recalling 150 half gallons of one of its products because it contains levels of vitamin A that could be dangerous.
Reiter Dairy, based in Barberton, is recalling its Topps Vitality Fat Free Chocolate Milk because it contains a significantly higher-than-labeled level of vitamin A - approximately 44,700 International Units (IU) per quart are present in each quart of the product instead of the intended level of 2,000-3,000 IU.
Excessive amounts of vitamin A ingestion can lead to severe health problems, including birth defects in babies born to mothers who consume too much vitamin A during the first trimester of pregnancy, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Among infants, excessive levels of vitamin A may cause an increase in the pressure of the fluid within the brain, hair loss, and abnormal changes in bone formation. For all ages, excess vitamin A ingestion can lead to reversible or irreversible liver disease.
The recalled product also contains too much vitamin D (4,000 IUs instead of the intended 400-600 IUs). The consumption of excess amounts of vitamin D may result in abnormally high blood levels of calcium and phosphate, which, in rare instances, may lead to abnormal deposits of calcium in various parts of the body.
The problem is thought to be due to an error by the manufacturer. The fat free chocolate milk, packed in 1/2 gallon containers coded 'MAR 27', was distributed to retail stores in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Consumers who purchased Topps Vitality Fat Free Chocolate Milk have been urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
No adverse effects have been reported yet to the FDA.