Information Update: Two Additional “Non-dairy” Acidophilus Products Found to Contain Milk Proteins, Posing Milk Allergy Risk

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(EMWNews – Aug. 14, 2008) – Further to a communication (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2008/2008_127-eng.php) issued August 8, 2008, Health Canada is advising Canadians with milk allergies of two additional acidophilus-containing health products labelled as “non-dairy” that have been found to contain trace amounts of milk protein from dairy ingredients used in the production process.

The products are:

– Natural Factors Super Strength Cal’dophilus (180 capsules)

– Natural Factors Super Strength Cal’dophilus (90 capsules)

Individuals with milk allergies can experience a variety of symptoms when exposed to even small amounts of milk proteins, including breathing difficulties which in some cases can become fatal.

Consumers with milk allergies should immediately stop using the products mentioned above and should return them to the point of purchase. Canadians who have used these products and are concerned about their health should consult with a health care professional.

For more information, please refer to Health Canada’s original warning on this issue. (www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2008/2008_127-eng.php)

Consumers should contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675 if they find any of the products listed in this Information Update being sold in Canada.

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada’s public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

To report a suspected adverse reaction to these health products, please contact the Canada Vigilance Program of Health Canada by one of the following methods:

Telephone: 1-866-234-2345
Facsimile: 1-866-678-6789

Canada Vigilance Program
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Ottawa, Ontario, AL 0701C
K1A 0K9

E-mail: CanadaVigilance@hc-sc.gc.ca

The Canada Vigilance adverse reaction reporting form, including a version that can be completed and submitted online, is located in the MedEffect Canada (www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect) area of the Health Canada Web site.

Egalement disponible en francais