Health Canada said the recent decision to seize and remove certain products from Sudbury health food stores was the result of a consumer complaint and that no person became ill or injured from the products.
"The department becomes aware of potential non-compliances through many ways including consumer or industry complaints, referrals of shipments at the border, international regulatory partners, or pro-active compliance monitoring activities such as market surveys," said an email from Nicholas Janveau at the Health Canada media office in Ottawa.
"Health Canada received a consumer complaint alleging the sale and advertisement of unauthorized health products at Paris Natural Foods and Durham Natural Foods in Sudbury, Ontario," he added.
A news release issued on February 20 described that several products were removed from store shelves.
"The unauthorized products include prescription-strength vitamin D3 supplements, hormones in capsule and cream format, and a sexual enhancement product," said the February news release.
Health Canada also said the products were seized as a result of actual visits to the stores in Sudbury by federal employees.
"Health Canada conducted on-site visits to both locations in Sudbury on Feb. 8, 2023 where inspectors seized and removed from sale a number of different unauthorized health products."
The same release said the product seizure was partly because the product labeling could pose a health risk.
"Health Canada seized unauthorized health products from two natural food stores in Sudbury, Ontario, because the products are labeled to contain prescription or controlled drugs, which may pose serious health risks," said the release.
In response to questions from Sudbury.com, the federal agency said there were no reports of any illness or injury that would have prompted the removal of the products.
"Health Canada has not received reports of illnesses or injuries related to the sale or advertisement of unauthorized health product from these locations,” said the media office.
Sudbury.com also asked if any disciplinary action would follow as a result of the product seizures. The response was as follows:
"Health Canada has taken immediate action to mitigate risk and address the non-compliant sale of unauthorized health products at these sites. The Department conducted on-site visits, seized unauthorized health products and issued a public advisory to inform the public of its actions and the risks posed by these products," said the email response from Ottawa.
"The Department continues to work with the company to ensure compliance is achieved and expects regulated parties to take appropriate and timely action to address any non-compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements. If a new health risk to Canadians is identified, the Department will not hesitate to take action and inform Canadians," said the media office.
Len Gillis covers health care and mining for Sudbury.com.
