Organic chlorella recalled due to Bacillus cereus

A variety of organic chlorella has been recalled from more than 10 countries due to Bacillus cereus contamination.

BIO Chlorella manufactured by GSE Vertriebs in Germany with date 1/7/2020 and lot L 1710971 is affected.

The dietary supplements are traded via online shipping on the company’s website. No illnesses have been reported.

Chlorella was amongst the first algae to be cultivated for food supplements.

Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria that produces toxins. The incubation period is between six and 15 hours, symptoms include watery diarrhoea and abdominal cramps can persist for around 24 hours.

Bacillus cereus was found at 28,000 CFU/g in sampling, according to the RASFF portal.

It listed Austria, Belgium, Estonia, France, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovenia and Switzerland as being affected.

Luxembourg authorities said it was distributed in Naturata Belval, Naturata Rollingergrund, Alavita and Mullebutz shops. The product has been removed from stores but some was already sold.