This page has been archived on the Web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.

Information update

“Pollen Allergy” Recalled Due to High Arsenic Levels

Starting date:: October 25, 2012
Posting date:: October 25, 2012
Type of communication:: Information Update
Subcategory:: Drugs
Source of recall:: Health Canada
Identification number:: RA-15092

Media enquiries
Public enquiries
Images

The natural health product "Pollen Allergy" (NPN 80035736), now sold as "Tongqiao Biyan Pian," is being recalled from the Canadian market after testing conducted by Health Canada identified levels of arsenic that exceed Departmental allowable limits. It also contains low levels of chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine) and acetaminophen. None of these ingredients are listed on the label.

For pregnant women, consumption of products with higher levels of arsenic may increase risk of pre-term birth, stillbirth and miscarriage. Children and adults who are exposed to arsenic may experience side-effects such as stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramping, weakness, skin rash, numbness or tingling and loss of movement.

The risks associated with consumption of the amounts of acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine in Pollen Allergy are for consumers who are hypersensitive to either of these ingredients. Antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine, are not recommended for use in children less than six years of age.

Pollen Allergy was widely distributed to retailers across Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and the Yukon) by Wing Quon Enterprises Ltd., 6660 Graybar Road #105-115, Richmond, British Columbia.

Health Canada is monitoring the recall by Wing Quon and will update Canadians if new safety information is identified. Canadians who have used Pollen Allergy should contact their health care professional if they are concerned about their health.

For more information concerning the recall of Pollen Allergy, retailers and consumers should contact Wing Quon Enterprises Ltd. directly at 1-604-273-5028.

Should retailers and consumers wish to know if a specific health product have been authorized by Health Canada, they can look for an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) or a Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label. Some natural health products (NHPs) may have an Exemption Number (EN), which indicates that the product is legally available for sale while Health Canada is reviewing its application for licensing.

To report a suspected adverse reaction to this or other health products, please contact the Canada Vigilance Program of Health Canada toll-free at 1-866-234-2345, or complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and send to us using one of these methods:

Fax: 1-866-678-6789
Internet: MedEffect Canada
Mail: Canada Vigilance Program

Marketed Health Products Directorate

Ottawa, ON, Address Locator 0701C

K1A 0K9

Complaints involving health products can be reported to the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-800-267-9675, or by writing to:

Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate

Health Canada

Address Locator: 2003D

Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9