Benefiber fiber supplement stick packs, sugar free and taste free, packaged i...
FDA Recall #F-1591-2014 — Class II — December 18, 2013
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | F-1591-2014 |
| Date Initiated | December 18, 2013 |
| Classification | Class II |
| Status | Terminated |
| Type | Voluntary: Firm initiated |
| Product Type | Food |
Recalling Firm
| Firm | Novartis Consumer Health |
| Location | Lincoln, NE |
Product Description
Benefiber fiber supplement stick packs, sugar free and taste free, packaged in the following configurations: (1) Benefiber Fiber Supplement, On-The-Go Stick Packs, Sugar Free, Clear & Taste-Free, packaged in 8.16-oz. boxes containing 68/0.12-oz. stick packs, UPC 300670176686. Distributed by Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., Parsippany, NJ; (2) Benefiber Fiber Supplement, Taste Free, Sugar Free, packaged in 0.36-oz. foil packages containing 3/0.12-oz. stick packs, UPC 300670186036. Distributed by Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., Parsippany, NJ; (3) Benefiber Fiber Supplement, Taste Free, Sugar Free, packaged in 0.36-oz. foil packages containing 3/0.12-oz. stick packs, 8/0.36-oz. foil packages clipped together on a strip, UPC 300679110766. Distributed by Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., Parsippany, NJ;
Reason for Recall
The products are being recalled due to the receipt of a relatively high number of consumer complaints.
Classification
Class II — A situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.
Distribution Pattern
Distribution was nationwide. There was no foreign/military/government distribution.
Product Quantity
57,808/68-ct. pkgs., 142,088/3-ct. pkgs., and 11,678/8/3-ct. pkg. clip strips
Product Codes / Lot Numbers
68-ct. boxes - 25574002, 25515001, 25515002, and 25574001, all with exp. dates of 02/2014; 3-ct. packages - 26096201, exp. 07/2014; 26096203, exp. 07/2014; 26096202, exp. 07/2014; and 26248201; exp. 05/2014; 8-package clip pack - 26128701, exp. 07/2014, and 26128702, exp. 07/2014.
What Should You Do?
Stop consuming this product immediately. Check your home for the recalled item and dispose of it safely. If you experienced a health issue after consuming this product, contact your doctor and report it to the FDA MedWatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stop consuming the product immediately and do not donate or give it to others. Check the recall notice above for specific disposal or return instructions. Many food recalls ask you to throw the product away and retain the packaging for a possible refund from the retailer. If you purchased it online, check your order history — some retailers send recall notifications directly to customers. You do not need a receipt to report an issue or seek a refund; the fact of purchase is typically sufficient.
In most cases, yes. Retailers are typically notified to accept returns of recalled products and issue refunds, regardless of whether you have a receipt. Check with the store where you purchased the item. Some manufacturers also offer direct refunds — contact the recalling firm using the information in the official recall notice. If you purchased the product online, contact the retailer's customer service with your order number. In either case, you generally do not need original packaging, though retaining the product label with the lot code or UPC can speed up the process.
Report foodborne illnesses and adverse food reactions to the FDA through the MedWatch Safety Reporting Portal at FDA.gov, or by calling 1-800-332-1088. You can also report issues directly to the FDA's Safety Reporting Portal at SafetyReporting.hhs.gov. If you believe there is an immediate public health risk, contact your local health department. Your report helps the FDA identify contamination patterns, initiate recalls faster, and protect other consumers from the same hazard. Include as much detail as possible: the product name, lot code, purchase date and location, and a description of your symptoms or findings.
The FDA assigns a status to each recall action throughout its lifecycle. "Ongoing" means the recall is active — the firm is still working to remove the product from commerce and notify consumers. "Completed" means the recall strategy has been implemented and the FDA has determined that the recalling firm has taken all appropriate steps to remove the product. "Terminated" means the FDA has reviewed the results and concluded the recall is complete. Even if a recall is marked as completed or terminated, you should still discard any recalled products you find at home — the recall status refers to the firm's compliance actions, not the safety of product still in consumers' possession.