What Lead to This CBD Product Recall?

We don’t have to tell you this, but in this industry quality matters. When any negative press comes out about CBD it hurts the industry as a whole. So, until the FDA solidifies regulations, it is each of our responsibilities to regulate ourselves, learn from mistakes made in the industry,  and support one another.

Last month, the Florida Department of Health tested samples of MHR Brands, a Michigan based hemp company, products and found dangerous levels of lead. Now, MHR has to recall a swath of hemp tincture products, intended for dog, cat, and human consumption.

The news was later amplified by the Food and Drug Administration on Friday, July 17th.

Lead can Lead to Problems

According to the World Health Organization, “there is no known level of lead exposure that is considered safe.” Exposure of the heavy metal has been linked to high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, headaches or abdominal pain, mood disorders, and impairments in memory and concentration in adults. 

MHR Brands maintains that it has not received any reports of such health defects from use of the recalled products. But, if any consumers or their pets do develop such symptoms, the company advises them to contact their physician or healthcare provider.

Following the Lead

After being alerted of the problem, MHR Brands reacted well, conducting an internal investigation into the cause. They concluded that the lead issue “related to graduated droppers provided by a third-party packaging supplier.”

In response, the company has voluntarily recalled more than 50 affected product types and offered replacements to customers at no cost. The company has also discontinued its use of graduated droppers and switched to a new third-party packaging supplier.

Heavy Implications

As an industry, we need to come together to combat poor quality products by holding every stage of our supply chain to the highest standards. Brands need to know what to look for in the extractors supplying their ingredients, as well as every other component that goes into their products. As an industry, FDA regulation is on the horizon. Let’s get ahead of it and regulate ourselves. Our consumers will appreciate the quality.

Company Updates: Our Perspective

This story leaves us wondering, “What could MHR Brands have done to avoid this?” In our minds, our products are our responsibility. That is why we installed an industry leading analytical testing lab inside our extraction facility. Throughout the extraction process, we continuously test samples to ensure their quality. As we make changes to any step in the process, we immediately see the ramifications - positive or negative. Plus, before we ever send a product to a customer, we send it out to a DEA certified testing facility to double check our findings. We have a responsibility to our consumers and that responsibility is quality. 

Disclaimer: BDX has no connection to MHR Brands or its products