OTTAWA, Dec. 21, 2012 /CNW/ -
The issue:
Health Canada's testing of "EV Princess Express Peeling", "EV Princess Extra Whitening Night Cream" and "Ling Zhi BB Whitening Cream" identified levels of mercury that are beyond the allowable limit set by Health Canada. All three are unauthorized natural health products promoted as facial creams.
The amount of mercury in these products may present a significant health risk to Canadians, including vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women who are most susceptible to mercury's toxic effects. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle cramps, diarrhea, heart abnormalities, anemia, and liver and nervous system problems.
Who is affected:
Canadians who have purchased "EV Princess Express Peeling", "EV Princess Extra Whitening Night Cream" and "Ling Zhi BB Whitening Cream".
| What consumers should do: • Speak to your healthcare practitioner about any questions or concerns regarding these products. • Report any adverse reaction you suspect may be related to these products to Health Canada (see below). • Read the label of the products you buy to verify that they have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality (see below). |
What Health Canada is doing:
"EV Princess Express Peeling" and "EV Princess Extra Whitening Night Cream" were being sold through a retail store in Toronto (Trung Tam Phat Nanh Bang Nhac & DVD). These two products are also sold via the internet at the following web sites: www.evprincessusa.com, www.baotramcosmetics.com and www.amazon.com.
"Ling Zhi BB Whitening Cream" was purchased at a retail location in Guelph (Thanh Phat Asian Supermarket). This product is also sold on the Internet at the following web sites: www.edenskincareva.com, www.baotramcosmetics.com and http://crystalbeautyforever.com
Health Canada is in communication with these retailers, and all have agreed to stop selling unauthorized natural health products. In order to help prevent any further importation of the affected products, Departmental officials are working with Canada Border Services Agency.
Background:
Health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) or a Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label. Some natural health products may have an Exemption Number (EN), which indicates that the product is legally available for sale while Health Canada is reviewing its application for licensing.
Health Canada's acceptable limit for exposure to mercury in a natural health product is: 0.29 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day.
For more information:
Consumers and health professionals wanting more information about this advisory from Health Canada can contact the Public Enquiries Line at 613-957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.
Media enquiries related to this Advisory should be directed to Health Canada Media Relations at 613-957-2983.
How to report side effects to health products to Health Canada:
Related Health Canada Web content:
Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls using social media tools
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PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2012/12/21/20121221_C3136_DOC_EN_22179.pdf
SOURCE: Health Canada
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