This page has been archived on the Web
Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.
Miracle Mineral Solution: Ingesting bleach-like chemical dangerous to health
- Starting date:
- March 26, 2015
- Type of communication:
- Information Update
- Subcategory:
- Drugs
- Source of recall:
- Health Canada
- Issue:
- Important Safety Information, Poisoning Hazard, Product Safety, Unauthorized products
- Audience:
- General Public
- Identification number:
- RA-52719
OTTAWA - Health Canada is reminding Canadians that consuming a product sold as "Miracle Mineral Solution" (MMS) may pose serious health risks, following a Health Canada seizure of an MMS product from a vendor in Burin, Newfoundland on March 25, 2015.
MMS contains a bleach-like chemical and is being promoted as a treatment for a range of health ailments, including serious diseases such as cancer. MMS is sometimes promoted under different names, such as "Miracle Mineral Supplement," "Master Mineral Solution," or its ingredient, sodium chlorite.
Sodium chlorite is a chemical used mainly as a textile bleaching agent and disinfectant. Ingesting sodium chlorite can cause poisoning, kidney failure and harm to red blood cells that reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen, among other effects. It can also cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
No drug products containing sodium chlorite have been approved by Health Canada for consumption by humans. As such, the sale of MMS products is not permitted under the Food and Drugs Act and its regulations. Sodium chlorite is authorized in Canada as a germicide for veterinary use and as a hard surface disinfectant.
Health Canada has issued several advisories regarding MMS to inform Canadians of the dangers of consuming these products. Health Canada has taken action to remove these MMS products from sale, and will continue to take action and inform Canadians as necessary. Health Canada is also advising Canadians not to purchase these products from any vendor or Internet site.
Consumers should file complaints about MMS products being sold to the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate by calling toll-free to 1-800-267-9675, or by writing to:
Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate
Health Canada
Address Locator: 2003D
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9
Health Canada also reminds consumers to report any health product adverse events to Health Canada.
Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls using social media tools.
Related AWRs
Media enquiries
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
Public enquiries
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
Images
Select thumbnail to enlarge - opens in a new window
