Fraser Health is warning the public about the health risks associated with unauthorized Ayurvedic medicine sold by All in One Wholesale Cash and Carry in Surrey.
The products may be contaminated with heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, arsenic and other heavy metals.
Fraser Health investigated a local case of lead poisoning connected to a purchase of Ayurvedic medicines at All in One Wholesale Cash and Carry, located at 107-12815 85th Avenue, Surrey.
The premises was found to have imported Ayurvedic products on site that are not authorized by Health Canada. Some of these products were found to contain high levels of lead and other heavy metals, which may pose serious health risks for consumers. Some examples of these products are shown in the photos below. All unauthorized products on site have been seized.
Ayurveda emphasizes good health and prevention and treatment of illness through lifestyle practices (such as massage, meditation, yoga, and dietary changes) and the use of herbal remedies. Ayurvedic herbal medicines, like conventional medicines, may cause side effects, trigger allergic reactions, or interact with other medicines or herbs you are taking.
It is best to choose Ayurvedic products that have been approved by Health Canada. Unauthorized Ayurvedic products should not be consumed as they may pose serious health risks. Health Canada has a database to check if the products are approved. Authorized products will have an eight-digit identification number, such as a Natural Product Number (NPN) or Drug Identification Number (DIN).
If you or someone you know are using these products, stop immediately and discard the product. Then monitor for symptoms of lead poisoning, they may be hard to differentiate from other health problems:
- Mild symptoms include fatigue, irritability, headache, muscle pain, abdominal discomfort or pain, constipation, vomiting and tremor.
- Severe symptoms include severe abdominal pain, seizure, reduced consciousness, numbness and very weak muscles.
- Long-term use of products containing high levels of lead can lead to chronic health issues in adults (increased risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems and kidney damage). Lead exposure during pregnancy can cause reduced fetal growth and preterm birth. Young children are particularly vulnerable and can suffer permanent health and developmental issues, especially in their central nervous system (ex. permanent hearing loss)
More information on lead exposure can be found at Lead Poisoning | HealthLink BC and Lead Exposure Information Resource.pdf.
If you experience any symptoms of lead poisoning or other unexpected side effects, seek medical attention, and call the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre at 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911. Your health care provider will assess whether you need blood lead testing. Do not throw out the product. Store it in a secure place in case Public Health needs to submit it for testing.
About Fraser Health:
We recognize that Fraser Health provides care on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and is home to 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region.
Fraser Health is dedicated to serving all Indigenous people, and honours the unique cultures of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit living within the Fraser Salish region.
Our hospital and community-based services are delivered by a team of 48,000+ staff, medical staff and volunteers dedicated to serving our patients, families and communities.