By Bethan Finighan
Health officials have issued an alert to Amazon shoppers after Salmonella was found in a dietary supplement sold on the site. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned that Eggshell Membrane Capsules by the brand Orgenism have been linked to illness after consumption of the product. Salmonella can cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps . Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with an underlying health condition are most at risk of serious illness caused by infection. The FSA says the product, which is sold on Amazon and on the Orgenism website, contains Salmonella bacteria that is resistant to several antibiotics and is more difficult to treat. Consumers who have bought the 60 capsules packet, with 500mg per serving, have been told by the FSA to “do not dispose of this product in household waste or flush the capsules down toilets”. All batch codes of the product are impacted by the recall. The product is popular among people who suffer with arthritis and joint pain. The dietary supplement contains compounds that Orgenism says help with the maintenance and repair of joint cartilage. Public health authorities have issued advice to people who may have consumed this product, urging consumers to seek advice from healthcare professionals, either through their GP or by calling NHS 111. The FSA added: “Even if you feel well, return of the product is essential so that it can be disposed of in a way that does not contaminate the environment and put others at risk. “Do not dispose of this product in household waste or flush the capsules down toilets.” It explained: “The Salmonella found produces extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), and is resistant to several antibiotics, (fluoroquinolones, tetracycline and Fosfomycin), making it more difficult to treat. “Inaccurate disposal of the product could cause wider public health, animal health or environmental risks therefore it is important to ensure you follow the advice on how to safely dispose of the product.” Amazon and Orgenism sales of this product have stopped and a point of sale notice has been displayed on the Orgenism website. In a statement online, Orgenism said: “At Orgenism, quality and customer wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. We鈥檙e carrying out a recall of our Eggshell Membrane Capsules. “This recall is due to a confirmed safety issue. Reason: Salmonella has been found in some products within this batch. “Please do not dispose of the capsules in household waste or down the sink. Instead, we鈥檙e offering free pre-paid returns envelopes. Just email us at team@orgenism.com and we鈥檒l post one out to you.”