Diet supplements from Hicksville company recalled

J & H Besta Corp. of Hicksville, is recalling select 30-capsule bottles of the dietary supplement Slim-30 Herb Supplement and Joyful Slim Herb Supplement because both could contain a chemical used in weight loss drugs but not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for these particular supplements.

An FDA notice said the chemicals in the Slim-30 -- N-Desmethyl Sibutramine and traces of Sibutramine -- can substantially increase blood pressure and the pulse rate, in some people. The same is true for the chemical in Joyful Slim -- Desmethyl Sibutramine -- the FDA said. The reactions could be hazardous for those with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia or stroke, the FDA said in the recall notices. No incidents have been reported for either supplement. The products were sold to distributors and retail stores in the United States, in China and via Internet.

Slim-30 Herb Supplement is packaged in plastic bottles containing 30 capsules per bottle and bears the UPC code 8 31457 005009 2. The affected lot is 032009.

Joyful Slim is packaged similarly in plastic bottles containing 30 capsules per bottle with UPC 8 97966 00200 7. The recalled lot code is 101408.

The FDA recall notice said that J & H Besta Corp. is taking this voluntary action because of the concern for the health and safety of consumers. For further information, call 877-547-5468.