Several class action lawsuits have been filed against Hydroxycut manufacturer Iovate Health Sciences USA, Inc. since it recently recalled 14 of its popular dietary supplements. Legal experts expect additional lawsuits to filed as more becomes known about these non-FDA regulated products.
What's known about Hydroxycut so far
Hydroxycut products are dietary supplements used by dieters and bodybuilders preparing for shows. Since the products are supplements, they are not regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). However, both the FDA and Health Canada (Canada's version of the FDA) have received numerous reports of injuries from Hydroxycut users. Health Canada says it has received 17 reports of injuries and the FDA says that it has received 23 reports of injuries that may be related to the liver and at least one death. Due to those reports, Iovate decided to recall the following 14 products:
- Hydroxycut 24
- Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
- Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
- Hydroxycut Carb Control
- Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
- Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Capsules
- Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
- Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
- Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
- Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
- Hydroxycut Max Liquid Capsules
- Hydroxycut Natural
- Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
- Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
Class action lawsuits filed – consumers voice anger
Several class actions have been filed since the recall in Canada and allegedly in the U.S. states of Alabama and Massachusetts. Millions of consumers who have taken Hydroxycut are voicing their anger on Internet blogs. One blogger on www.foodconsumer.org seemed to sum up what many are feeling:
[A]lmost identical products to Hydroxycut are being sold "by prescription" manufactured by the nation's large pharmaceutical companies who's executives sit on the FDA board of directors...
I just thought I'd throw my twice-cents worth your way especially since other common over-the-counter products result in far more deaths and damage than Hydroxycut, however they are manufactured by large chemical companies with the cash to bribe Congressmen and the FDA to keep their products on store shelves.
If you've taken Hydroxycut products and would like to find out more, contact an experienced products liability attorney to discuss your situation and evaluate your options.
