Health Canada issues Ayurvedic clinic warning

Health Canada is warning Canadians that Ayurvedic products sold by A1 Herbal Ayurvedic Clinic Ltd. may pose serious health risks especially to children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women.

Inspectors have seized products, ingredients, and equipment from the Surrey clinic at 31-8430, 128 Street, and from an affiliated clinic in Brampton, Ontario located at 11-351 Parkhurst Square.

The seizures came after the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control informed Health Canada of a case of heavy metal toxicity involving a patient who was using products from the Surrey clinic.

Laboratory testing identified lead and mercury in the products. Lead and mercury are heavy metals that may pose serious health risks when consumed in excessive amounts. Children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women are most susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals.

None of the seized health products are authorized for sale by Health Canada. Unauthorized health products have not been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness, and quality.

A1 Herbal was also found to be operating without the necessary Health Canada license.

Ayurvedic medicinal products used in traditional Indian healing practice and are often imported from India. Improper manufacturing processes may result in dangerously high levels of heavy metals in the final product.

Consumers who choose to use Ayurvedic medicinal products are reminded that some of these products may contain high levels of heavy metals. Consuming excessive amounts of heavy metals may pose serious health risks because they may accumulate in vital organs.