Important Information on Vega One French Vanilla (Canada Only)

Dear Vega Community,

My name is Charles Chang, and I am the founder and President of Vega.  

Vega was started back in 2001, at a time when plant-based nutritional products were hard to find. Since then we’ve been so excited to see how more and more people are embracing clean plant-based nutrition, and we are deeply grateful to all of our loyal customers, Vega community, and new fans for joining us in our mission to help others on their quest for optimal health.

We were recently made aware by Health Canada that a strain of klebsiella oxytocabacteria was found in one opened sample of Vega One French Vanilla which received the complaint of stomach upset by one consumer. 

Because the safety of our customers is a paramount concern, Vega immediately worked with our Quality Assurance Team and independent third-party labs to test our retained samples for klebsiella oxytocabacteria and each test came back negative. 

To be extra cautious, Vega has voluntarily withdrawn all products from the 3 lot codes listed below to eliminate any potential risk.

This voluntary withdrawal does not apply to any other lot of Vega One French Vanilla or any other Vega product distributed anywhere in Canada or the United States.  

After consultation with Health Canada, we confirm the following:

• These lots of Vega One French Vanilla have no potential risk to healthy Canadians and the general population
• The bacteria identified in the sample may be a potential risk for people with immune-compromised conditions
• The symptoms reported in the case above were not consistent with the symptoms resulting from the bacteria identified in the sample associated with the reaction, and therefore the reaction is likely not associated with the identified bacteria in the product.

It is important to understand that whole foods, and natural plant-based products like Vega often contain naturally occurring bacteria and probiotics that are safe, healthy and essential to wellness goals, and that all of our products are tested in accordance with Health Canada Guidelines prior to being released for sale.

We will be updating our website with educational information on the natural bacteria found in whole foods and plant-based ingredients shortly as part of our continued commitment to educating our customers about plant-based nutrition. 

All Vega One product labels include a notice to first time users and the following caution statement –

“Notice to First-Time Users:  As with any positive dietary change, some people may experience temporary, cleansing-type symptoms, including headaches, constipation, diarrhea and nausea when first taking Vega One. To minimize symptoms, start with one-quarter (1/4) of a serving and gradually increase intake over the next few weeks. Be sure to drink plenty of water (at least 8 cups a day) with increased dietary fibre intake. 

Cautions and Contraindications: Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are taking blood thinners (due to vitamin K) or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (due to grape seed extract). People sensitive to niacin may experience mild flushing of the skin.

Discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner if you experience the following:

·         Hypersensitivity to flaxseed

·         Symptoms of digestive upset occur, worsen, or persist beyond 3 days

·         Nausea, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea or severe abdominal pain

·  An immune-compromised condition (e.g., AIDS, lymphoma, patients undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatment

Keep out of reach of children.”

Although none of these bacteria pose a risk to healthy individuals, if you have purchased a product from one of the following lot codes and wish to return it, please call or email us for a full refund:1-866-839-8863 or questions@myvega.com

The health and wellbeing of our customers is our top priority, and we appreciate your support.

Yours truly,

Charles Chang
President, Vega

VOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL of:  Vega One – French Vanilla flavour – limited lot codes