Ayurvedic medicine tainted with heavy metals in B.C., linked to lead poisoning case
Officials say items were sold at All in One Wholesale Cash and Carry on 85th Avenue in Surrey
Fraser Health says a case of lead poisoning in Surrey, B.C., has been connected to unauthorized Ayurvedic alternative medicine, prompting a warning about the products being sold at a grocery store in the city.
The health authority says the products that were sold at the All in One Wholesale Cash and Carry on 85th Avenue potentially contain heavy metals including mercury, lead and arsenic.
It says an investigation found some of the store's Ayurvedic products — which are part of an alternative medicine system originating in South Asia — were not approved by Health Canada.
Fraser Health says some of the contaminated products contain high levels of heavy metals and may pose "serious health risks" for consumers.
The health authority says the products at the store have been seized.
Fraser Health says people should choose Ayurvedic products approved by Health Canada, which can be identified by searching the federal agency's database.
It says authorized products carry an eight-digit identification number.
The health authority says anyone who bought the unauthorized products should stop using them immediately and discard of them.
Fraser Health says symptoms of mild lead poisoning include fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, and vomiting, while severe cases can involve seizures, reduced consciousness and numbness.
The health authority's warning says lead exposure during pregnancy can also cause reduced fetal growth and preterm birth, and that young children can suffer permanent nervous system damage that may cause health issues such as hearing loss.