Sparta, NJ, March 11, 2025
A recent article in The Gazette found that some 75% of cannabis consumer advisories and recalls over the last three years in Colorado were due to yeast and mold concerns in the products. Similar problems have been occurring in other states that allow cannabis and also have state limits for these all too common contaminants.
Some 50% of the cases in Colorado were reportedly caused by Aspergillus contamination. Aspergillus is a type of fungus that is a frequent cause of cannabis product recalls nationwide. Exposure to it can act as a respiratory irritant, cause allergic reactions, and even result in infections that can be life-threatening in some cases. These infections typically happen in people with a weakened immune system.
Fortunately, allergic forms of aspergillosis are more common than the invasive form of the infection. One of the milder forms is known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). People with ABPA have a condition where the fungus causes allergic respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing and coughing, but does not actually invade and destroy tissue. Invasive aspergillosis, where the fungus invades and damages tissue in the body, usually affects people with immune system issues.
Dedicated to helping companies identify microbial challenges and preventing contaminated products from reaching the public are the scientists at MPL Laboratories. They operate an FDA registered and DEA licensed testing facility that offers cGMP and ISO 17025 compliant microbial and sterility testing services. These tests can be essential for assessing raw ingredients, production processes and surfaces, and final products. MPL’s services are available to legal growers, dispensaries, regulatory agencies, health care providers, and the public.
To learn more about microbial testing of over-the-counter medicines, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, cosmetics, or other consumer goods, please visit
www.MPLLaboratories.com, call (800) 548-1874, or email
info@MPLLaboratories.com.
About MPL Laboratories
MPL Laboratories (formerly Marypaul Laboratories) was founded in 1985 as a full service microbiology laboratory. It is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by PJLA, FDA, and DEA registered. MPL’s staff includes a Ph.D. Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology, M.S. and B.S. degreed microbiologists, along with other dedicated scientific personnel. The microbiology testing laboratory serves the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care product industries. MPL strives to provide its clients with reliable, defensible test data delivered in a timely manner. The laboratory is part of the EMSL Analytical network of laboratories across the United States and Canada.
