Chemical Analysis of Bodega Retatrutide Finds Phenylacetic Acid and Bacteria

CBS sent a vial labeled "retatrutide," bought at a Brooklyn bodega, to University of Iowa chemist Jason Galpin. He found no peptides at all — instead phenylacetic acid and at least 13 bacterial colonies, which could cause a dangerous infection if injected.

• The sample contained no peptides, only phenylacetic acid
• The vial held at least 13 bacterial colonies
• Phenylacetic acid is used in perfumes and illicit amphetamine production
• Wired's earlier analysis of bodega "peptides" found a similar result