HHS NEWS

P97-14                    Food and Drug Administration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     Larry Bachorik    (301) 827-6242

May 16, 1997              

                          Consumer Hotline: (800) 532-4440





FDA WARNS AGAINST CONSUMING THE ARISE & SHINE PRODUCT "CHOMPER" 



     The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to

purchase or consume "CHOMPER," one of a line of dietary

supplement products distributed by "Arise & Shine" of Mount

Shasta, California.  FDA has determined that this product has

been associated with a severe injury and that it may contain

substances that may result in an abnormal heart rate and rhythm,

and could potentially cause cardiac arrest.

     FDA has learned of a recent case where the consumption of

this product as part of Arise & Shine "The Cleanse Thyself"

program by a young woman apparently resulted in abnormal heart

rate with heartblock, a potentially life-threatening condition. 

The agency is also investigating if other injuries have been

associated with this product.  

     The "Chomper" product is promoted as an "herbal laxative"

and "cleansing" agent to be used as part of a regimen of dietary

products distributed by this company.  Laboratory analyses of the

product revealed that it contains substances similar to those

that affect the heart.  Use of these powerful substances, which

are found in a number of poisonous plants, may result in a        

severe, potentially fatal heartblock, even in otherwise healthy

individuals.  The agency has found that "Chomper" poses a

potentially significant and unreasonable risk to public health.  

     FDA urges all individuals who may have this product to avoid

consuming it and to immediately consult their health care

professional if they are experiencing any adverse effects

associated with use of the product.  These effects may include

nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, confusion, hypotension

(low blood pressure), vision disturbances and abnormal heart rate

and rhythm.

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