Lead Contamination Causes Herndon Company To Recall Skin Cream

HERNDON, VA — Shop Me Ca, a Herndon-based company that produces cosmetics and skin care products, has issued a recall of 10-gram tubes of “Diep Bao Cream,” which may be contaminated with lead, according to an alert from the Food and Drug Administration.

Even though some people may not exhibit outward signs of lead poisoning, the condition may cause damage to their internal organs and nervous system. Symptoms of acute lead poisoning include: abdominal pain, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody or decreased urinary output.

Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, according to the FDA. A prolonged exposure could lead to damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to learning disorders, developmental delays, and other health problems.

Shop Me Ca sells the cream nationwide through its Facebook page and the Vietnamese Moms' Facebook groups, which are not associated with the company.

Testing by the Oregon Health Authority first revealed high levels of lead contamination in samples of Diep Bao Cream. High levels of lead were found in the blood of two infants as a result of using the cream.

Shop Me Ca posted a warning in December on its Facebook page that Diep Bao Cream had tested positive for high levels of lead. The company has voluntarily suspended the sale of the product and issued a recall, while the FDA, OHA, and the company investigate the cause of the contamination.

Customers who purchased 10-gram tubes of Diep Bao Cream should discontinue the use of the product and dispose of it immediately. Consumers who have questions about the recall can email shopemeca91@gmail.com from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.