The unapproved products were sold at All in One Wholesale Cash and Carry in Surrey and pose potential health risks
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Fraser Health has issued a warning about unauthorized Ayurvedic medicines being sold in Surrey after an investigation into a case of lead poisoning.
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The health agency says the medicines, sold by All in One Wholesale Cash and Carry at 12815 85th St. in Surrey, may contain heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and arsenic that can pose health risks.
“The premises was found to have imported Ayurvedic products on site that are not authorized by Health Canada,” said Fraser Health in a statement on Monday.
“Some of these products were found to contain high levels of lead and other heavy metals, which may pose serious health risks for consumers.” All the unauthorized products were seized.
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Ayurveda emphasizes good health and prevention and treatment of illness through lifestyle practices like massage, meditation, yoga and dietary changes, along with the use of herbal remedies.
Like all medicines, Ayurvedic herbal meds “may cause side-effects, trigger allergic reactions or interact with other medicines or herbs you are taking.”
Fraser Health advises using only Ayurvedic products that have been approved by Health Canada. There is a database to check if a product has been approved, and any approved product will have an eight-digit identification number such as a natural product number (NPN) or drug identification number (DIN).
Unauthorized products should not be consumed because they could pose serious health risks. If you or someone you know is using these products, stop immediately and discard them.
Mild symptoms of heavy metal exposure range from mild, such as fatigue, irritability, headache, muscle pain, abdominal discomfort or pain, constipation, vomiting and tremors. 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 cause chronic health issues in adults, such as 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 problems, especially to the central nervous system — for example, permanent loss of hearing.
For more information on lead exposure, go to healthlinkbc.ca and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control info sheet. If you are experiencing symptoms or side-effects of lead poisoning, seek medical attention and call the B.C. Drug and Poison Information Centre at 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911. Do not throw out the suspected product so it can be tested by public health officials.
jruttle@postmedia.com
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