Date of alert
July 18, 2006
Product Name
Safi
Manufacturer / Place of Origin
Hamard Wakf Laboratories, India and Pakistan
Product Description
Safi is marketed as a blood purifier, but may also be marketed to treat skin conditions such as acne, boils, rashes, blemishes and hives. This product may also be promoted for the treatment of nose bleeds, constipation, indigestion and weight maintenance.
Safi is a liquid supplied in a dark brown opaque bottle with a yellow screw top and lime-green labelling and packaging.
Reason for Warning
In November 2005, the U.K.'s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency issued an alert on Safi because it was found to contain toxic levels of arsenic.
Possible Side Effects
Arsenic can affect the liver, bone marrow, cardiovascular system and central nervous system, causing nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle cramps, heart abnormalities, liver damage, anemia and reduced motor nerve function.
Special Information
Health Canada issued a Public Advisory (March 4, 2005) and Warning (July 14, 2005) that alerted Canadians about the presence of toxic levels of arsenic and its associated health effects in the product Safi.Please see:
Health Canada warns consumers not to use certain Ayurvedic medicinal products
Some Ayurvedic medicinal products reported to contain high levels of heavy metals
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Media Inquiries:
Christopher Williams
Health Canada
(613) 946-4250
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
