Health Canada warning over African supplements
products - M2 Formula and Energy 2000 - which may contain toxic
herbal ingredients.
Although these products have not been identified on the Canadian market, the government agency is concerned that consumers may have bought them overseas or over the internet.
The products, manufactured by Yem-Kem International in Nigeria, were withdrawn from sale in the United Kingdom last month due to suspicions that they contain Strophanthus sarmentosus or Aristolochia. The former can potentially cause serious heart related problems including abnormal heart rate, and the latter can cause cancer, kidney failure and changes in human cells.
As well as avoiding taking the products, which are not approved for sale, Health Canada is asking consumers to inform it if they spot either product for sale.
Canadian customs has also been instructed to detail shipments at the border.
M2 Formula was marketed in the UK as fighting against general infection, stomach disorders, fever and coughs, and Energy 2000 as a libido booster and for the treatment of hemorrhoids.
