“California Department of Public Health Food and Drug investigators work daily to protect us from eating, drinking or using products that can cause us harm. They are our guardians of products we might use on a daily basis. Their work doesn’t often garner a glaring spotlight, but it should!”
– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
SACRAMENTO -In April 2024, work conducted by California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Food and Drug investigators lead to four consumer protection warnings. Based on their investigations CDPH issued warnings regarding illegal hemp products, possible norovirus infections from imported raw Korean oysters, a hemorrhoid ointment from Vietnam found to contain dangerous levels of lead and a sexual enhancement supplement.
On April 9th, CDPH issued its second warning to consumers about not taking certain products produced by Pyramid Wholesale as dietary supplements for sexual enhancement, stating they contain undeclared prescription drugs including Sildenafil (Viagra) and/or Tadalafil (Cialis).
On April 16th, CDPH urged consumers not to purchase or use Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu, a hemorrhoid ointment from Vietnam found to contain dangerous levels of lead. The warning was in response to an investigation following a lead-poisoning death in Sacramento County.
On April 26th, CDPH warned consumers of possible norovirus infections from imported raw Korean oysters. CDPH warned the oysters, sold at many restaurants and retail outlets in Southern California, may be linked to outbreaks of norovirus illnesses in California.
Also on April 26th, CDPH issued a warning to CDPH licensees concerning illegal help products. CDPH addressed the public health risk posed by the growing prevalence of potentially illegal industrial hemp products in the marketplace.
The above warnings and advisories are the result of the work done by CDPH’s Food and Drug Branch, food and drug investigators who work daily to protect the health of Californians.
“I am pleased to highlight the important work our CSLEA and CAFDI members have been able to accomplish. Thank you to all of them for all the hard work,” said California Association of Food and Drug Investigators President Joel Lambert.
