Archive - Safi
- Starting date:
- July 18, 2006
- Posting date:
- July 18, 2006
- Type of communication:
- Foreign Product Alert (FPA)
- Subcategory:
- Natural health products
- Source of recall:
- Health Canada
- Issue:
- Product Safety, Poisoning Hazard
- Audience:
- General Public
- Identification number:
- RA-1200048
These products are not authorized for sale in Canada and have not been found in the Canadian marketplace, but it is possible they may have been brought into the country by travellers or purchased over the Internet.
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.
What you should do
Canadians who have this product are advised not to use it, and should consult with a health care professional if they have concerns about their health related to the use of this product.
Health Canada advises Canadians to contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-96755 if they find the product listed above in the Canadian marketplace.
Background
Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada will have either 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.
As of the date of this posting, no adverse reactions suspected to be associated with the use of this product have been reported in Canada.
Report a health or safety concern
- Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
- Visit Health Canada's Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax.
Media enquiries
Health Canada
613-957-2983
Public enquiries
613-957-2991
1-866-225-0709
Related AWRs
Images
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