Advisory
2008-177
November 27, 2008
For immediate release
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising consumers not to use the unauthorized product, Kwan Loong Medicated Oil, as it contains chloroform. Sale of chloroform for human use is prohibited under the Food and Drug Regulations.
Skin contact should be avoided as chloroform can cause irritation, burns, and can also penetrate the skin and produce toxic side effects similar to those produced by inhalation (i.e. anesthesia). Consumers who use this product with the application of external heat, such as an electric heating pad, are at an increased risk of excessive skin irritation or burn and toxic side effects. This product also contains methyl salicylate and should not be used by consumers who are allergic to salicylates or by those taking anticoagulant medications.
Kwan Loong Medicated Oil is manufactured by How Par Healthcare Ltd., Singapore, and was imported by Golden Mountain Ginseng Products Ltd. and distributed by Splendid Trading Ltd. Burnaby, B.C.
The product was sold in a Montreal retail store between 2006 and 2007. The retailer has voluntarily removed remaining stock from their shelves. Health Canada is taking steps to confirm that the product has been removed from the Canadian market.
Consumers are advised to immediately discontinue use of Kwan Loong Medicated Oil and consult their health care professional if they have related health concerns. The product should be kept out of reach of children and returned to the point of purchase or the manufacturer for safe disposal.
Kwan Loong Medicated Oil is not authorized for sale in Canada. Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label. These numbers indicate that the products have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality.
Kwan Loong Medicated Oil package insert
Health Canada also advises Canadians to contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675 if they find this product for sale in Canada.
Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada's public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.
