MIDDLETOWN, Conn.--On May 21, Vital Nutrients/RHG & Co. Inc. voluntarily recalled some of its dietary supplements that were found to contain aristolochic acid. The products affected were all lot numbers of 30- and 60-ct. Vital Nutrients Joint Ease and Verified Quality Joint Comfort Complex. These products had been distributed nationwide to retail stores, naturopaths, chiropractors and other doctors.

Vital Nutrients initiated the voluntary recall after an independent lab contracted by the company found the aristolochia. The products contained Clematis chinensis extract (common name Wei ling xian), which is listed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (www.fda.gov) as containing aristolochic acid. Mark Wynne, vice president of business development at Vital Nutrients, stated that that new testing protocols discovered the aristolochia in the company's two products. The company had certificates of analysis for the products. "We keep meticulous records. We are gearing up to get our GMP [Good Manufacturing Practices] certification fairly soon, hopefully by the end of the summer," Wynne added.

Even though the percentage of aristolochic acid found in the products was 0.00095 percent, Wynne contacted FDA right away about this finding. "We just want to be able to guarantee that our products are completely safe for our consumers."

Those who purchased these products should return them to their place of purchase for a full refund. Any questions can be directed to the company by calling (888) 328-9992.