Health Canada Seizes Illegal Items in Milton
Published July 10, 2017 at 12:55 pm
Unauthorized products being sold at a store in Milton – which could lead to liver and heart problems – have been seized by Health Canada.
Unauthorized products being sold at a store in Milton – which could lead to liver and heart problems – have been seized by Health Canada.
Several kratom products have been taken off the shelves from Culture Rising at 1248 Main St. E.
“Kratom may pose serious health risks when swallowed or inhaled,” according to the federal department.
Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is an herbal product typically used for pain relief or for depression and anxiety.
Videos
It produces similar effects to using opiates, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
“Side effects include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, liver toxicity and excessively rapid heartbeat,” according to Health Canada.
“Kratom has been linked to both narcotic and stimulant-like effects, and has potential for abuse and dependence.”
Health Canada hasn’t authorized the sale of any product containing kratom, and it’s illegal to sell any health products in Canada without such authorization.
Consumers are advised not to swallow or inhale products labeled to contain kratom because of the potential side effects, including liver and heart problems.
Here are the affected products:
- Botanicals Green Vein kratom powder
- Botanicals Red Vein kratom powder
- Botanicals Super Green Vein kratom powder
- Botanicals Maeng Da kratom powder
- Kratomsource.ca Red Bali kratom powder
If you’ve already bought the items, Health Canada is advising to stop using these products and see your health care professional if you’ve used kratom and have health concerns.
Consumers are also being instructed to read product labels to verify that health products have been authorized for sale by Health Canada.
Look for an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM). You can also check whether products have been authorized for sale by searching Health Canada’s Drug Product Database and Licensed Natural Health Product Database.
Report adverse events to health products to Health Canada by calling toll-free at 1‑866‑234‑2345, or by reporting online, by mail or by fax.
Report complaints about health products to Health Canada by calling toll-free at 1‑800‑267‑9675, or complete an online complaint form.
Health Canada says it’s working with the Canada Border Services Agency to stop kratom products from entering Canada illegally.
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising