More than 60,000 bottles and packs of iron-containing supplements sold by iHerb have been urgently recalled amid fears they could cause fatal poisoning in children.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) ordered the recall on 26 June after finding the packaging failed to meet child-safety standards.
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall applies to three supplements sold under the California Gold Nutrition brand: Daily Prenatal Multi, Ultamins Women's Multivitamin, and Ultamins Women's 50+ Multivitamin. All contain levels of iron that could prove life-threatening if consumed in large quantities by young children.
The affected products were distributed between January 2019 and April 2025 through both online and in-store retailers, including Amazon, Walmart and Target. Although the CPSC is a US regulator, iHerb ships internationally, meaning UK customers who purchase from the site could also be affected. Health authorities are urging consumers outside the United States to review their purchases carefully.
Health Risks of Iron Poisoning in Children
Under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, iron supplements must be sold in child-resistant containers to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion. Routine inspections found that the packaging on these specific supplements did not comply with the legal requirement.
While no injuries or incidents have been reported so far, health officials warn that the risk remains serious. Iron poisoning can develop rapidly in children, with even a small number of tablets causing vomiting, abdominal pain, organ failure, or in extreme cases, death.
Medical authorities, including the Minnesota Regional Poison Centre, have issued public alerts. Health bodies are advising parents and caregivers to check their medicine cabinets immediately for any of the affected products.
iHerb Recalls Bottles and Blister Packs of California Gold Nutrition Iron Supplements Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Child Poisoning; Violation of Federal Standard for Child Resistant Packaging | https://t.co/TzPC4rlMmT https://t.co/2wIzaICIQU
— Minnesota Regional Poison Center (@MNpoisoncenter) July 1, 2025
iHerb Response and Refund Process
iHerb has begun contacting customers who purchased the recalled items. The company is asking anyone in possession of the supplements to stop using them immediately and to ensure they are kept well out of reach of children until they can be returned or safely destroyed.
To request a refund, consumers are advised to email ProductRecall@iherb.com, providing the product name, quantity purchased, proof of purchase and a dated photograph showing both the packaging and the supplement itself. Refunds will be issued once iHerb receives confirmation that the product has either been returned or appropriately destroyed. The supplements were sold at prices ranging from US$8 to US$18 per unit.
Although the recall originates in the United States, iHerb's international distribution model means UK buyers who ordered online may have received the affected supplements. British parents and caregivers who purchase vitamins and supplements via iHerb are therefore urged to review any California Gold Nutrition products containing iron.
In the UK, supplements are regulated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), but imported products ordered online may not meet British safety guidelines. Experts advise consumers to check whether items bought from international sites comply with UK labelling and packaging laws.
Health officials are reminding all households to store iron supplements and other medicines securely, well out of the reach of children, even if they are not part of the current recall. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about supplement safety and packaging standards for products distributed globally through online retailers.
