Canada Reiterates Ephedra Warning

Canada Reiterates Ephedra Warning

OTTAWAHealth Canada reminded the public in early June about theserious health risks of taking ephedra or ephedrine products for reasons otherthan nasal decongestion. Although Health Canada has monitored the removal ofmore than 250,000 products containing these ingredients since its January 2003health advisory and recall of ephedra supplements, the agency has been followingup on complaints that some products subject to recall continue to be to sold toCanadian consumers.

Health Canada reported some retail employees have been selling consumerslegally available ephedra and ephedrine products (e.g., products intended fornasal decongestion) and advising consumers how to obtain the same effect asephedra supplements. This activity is also illegal and places the health andpotentially the lives of consumers in danger, Health Canada wrote in a pressrelease.

Health Canada is currently considering other enforcement actions to addressthe illegal sale of ephedra and ephedrine products not intended for stuffed-upcustomers. Health Canada is asking that consumers report retail outlets thatcarry ephedra supplements or are involved in illegal activities relating tolegal ephedrine products by calling the Health Products and Food BranchInspectorate tollfree at (800) 267-9675.