Agency classClass IIOur severity:Severe FDA (Food)·F-1388-2019·Announced 2019-05-22

AmeriHerb Goldenseal Herb Recalled for Potential E. coli Contamination

AmeriHerb International Inc is recalling 36 lbs of Goldenseal herb due to potential contamination with generic E. coli. The product was distributed nationwide and to Canada.

The agency’s classification

FDA (Food): Class II

Class II is 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.

This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall is classified as FDA Class II and involves potential contamination with E. coli, a high-risk pathogen. Per the rubric, FDA Class II recalls involving significant injury/property-damage reports or high-risk pathogens without reported illness but with structural/contamination defects typically align with Severe (4) or High (3). Given the explicit Class II designation and the nature of E. coli, Severe is the appropriate classification to reflect the potential for serious adverse health consequences.

Plain-English summary

AmeriHerb International Inc is voluntarily recalling 36 lbs of Goldenseal herb c/s, Hydrastis Canadensis, packaged in 1 lb plastic bags. The recall is being issued because the dried spice and herb products are potentially contaminated with generic E. coli. The product is labeled "Not for use during pregnancy" and was manufactured by AmeriHerb LLC in Ames, Iowa.

The affected product, identified by code L-40428, was distributed to customers nationwide, including Puerto Rico, as well as to foreign distribution in Canada. The FDA has classified this recall as Class II, indicating that use of or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.

Consumers who have purchased this product should stop using it immediately. They should check their pantries for the specific 1 lb plastic bags of Goldenseal herb with code L-40428. If found, consumers should dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund, following the instructions provided by the recalling firm.

The recalled product

Product: Goldenseal herb c/s, Hydrastis Canadensis, Not for use during pregnancy, 1# Net, AmeriHerb LLC, Ames, IA packaged in 1 lb plastic bags
Manufacturer: AmeriHerb International Inc
Category: Food — Dried Herbs and Spices
Hazard: e-coli

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (1)

L-40428

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

The notice also names 1 state specifically:

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 6 recalled by AmeriHerb International Inc under a single FDA (Food) recall action. The agency files each product separately, so the size of the action is not visible from this page alone.

See all 6 products in this recall →

Same manufacturer · AmeriHerb International Inc

See all →

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FDA (Food) · 2019-05-22
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Severe
AmeriHerb Mullein Leaf Recalled for Potential E. coli Contamination
FDA (Food) · 2019-05-22
Severe
AmeriHerb Recalls Dried Dill Weed Potentially Contaminated with E. coli
FDA (Food) · 2019-05-22
High
AmeriHerb Parsley Flakes Recalled for Potential E. coli Contamination
FDA (Food) · 2019-05-22

Same hazard · e coli