Health Canada issues warning on medicated oil

OTTAWA – Health Canada on Wednesday issued a warning advising consumers not to use the unauthorized product, Kwan Loong Medicated Oil because it has been found to contain chloroform.

Kwan Loong Medicated Oil is manufactured by How Par Healthcare Ltd., of Singapore, imported by Golden Mountain Ginseng Products Ltd., and distributed by Splendid Trading Ltd. Burnaby, B.C.

The product was sold in a Montreal retail store between 2006 and 2007, Health Canada said in a statement. The retailer has voluntarily removed remaining stock from its shelves and Health Canada said it was taking steps to confirm the product had been removed from the Canadian market.

The sale of chloroform for human use is prohibited under Canadian food and drug regulations.

Health Canada warns skin contact with the product should be avoided as chloroform can cause irritation, burns and also can penetrate the skin and produce toxic side effects similar to those produced by inhalation.

Consumers who use this product with the application of external heat, such as an electric heating pad, are at an increased risk of excessive skin irritation or burn and toxic side effects. The product also contains methyl salicylate and should not be used by consumers who are allergic to salicylates or by those taking anticoagulant medications, Health Canada said.

Health Canada also advises consumers to contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675 if they find this product for sale in Canada.