Officials issue advisory for Sorghum
Laboratory tests conducted by the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) at the University of Iowa indicate the product has “extremely high nitrate levels, which can be hazardous especially if consumed by infants and children,” DIA Food and Consumer Safety Bureau Chief Steven Mandernach said.
IDPH and Johnson County health officials are investigating two cases of possible methemoglobinemia associated with the consumption of this sorghum. “The bottom line is that no one should eat this product,” said IDPH Medical Director Caitlin Pedati. “If you have it in your kitchen, you should throw it away.”
Sorghum is often used in the preparation of infant formulas and toddler foods. Consumers who have purchased Pure Missouri Ozark Country Sorghum should throw it out. Do not return this product to the store.
The sorghum is packaged in one pint and one quart jars. It often is sold at grocery stores and specialty retail stores, and may be available online.
Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia include shortness of breath, cyanosis, confusion, headache, fatigue, exercise intolerance, weakness and dizziness. People with methemoglobinemia should be evaluated by a clinician, and are sometimes treated with supplemental oxygen and methylene blue [10] 1 percent solution.
State officials are working to have the product recalled and to further investigate this product with their counterparts in Missouri. Officials with the Johnson County Public Health Department also are investigating an illness associated with the consumption of sorghum.
