Unauthorized skin lightening product seized from Danforth Variety & Fruit Market: Product may pose serious health risks

Health Canada is advising Canadians that it has seized an unauthorized prescription skin lightening product that may pose serious health risks from the Danforth Variety & Fruit Market (2742 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON). The product is labelled to contain hydroquinone at a concentration of 3%, a prescription drug that may pose serious health risks, such as blisters, scarring, skin discolouration and possibly cancer. Health Canada is encouraging Canadians to read the labels of products that claim to lighten, whiten, fade or bleach skin. Look for an eight-digit Natural Product Number (NPN) or Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the label, which indicates the product has been assessed by Health Canada for safety, efficacy and quality, and has been authorized for sale. Health products that have not been authorized for sale by Health Canada may contain high-risk ingredients, such as prescription drugs, that may or may not be listed on the product label. Prescription drugs should be used only under the advice and supervision of a health care professional because they are used to treat specific conditions and may cause serious side effects. It is illegal to sell unauthorized health products in Canada. Health Canada has previously seized and warned Canadians about several unauthorized skin lightening health products whose labels show they contain prescription drugs (e.g., betamethasone dipropionate, clobetasol propionate, or hydroquinone at concentrations greater than 2%). The Department strongly encourages Canadians to not use these products and to report to Health Canada if they see the products for sale, so that the Department can take appropriate action. Unauthorized skin lightening products may also contain unacceptable levels of mercury, a heavy metal. Mercury poisoning can cause serious harm, particularly to children, pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. The Department has implemented measures to reduce the amount of heavy metals to which Canadians are exposed, including establishing strict limits for health products and cosmetics.

Stop using this product. Consult your health care professional if you have used this product and have health concerns. Read product labels to verify that health products have been authorized for sale by Health Canada. Authorized health products have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM). You can also check whether products have been authorized for sale by searching Health Canada's Drug Product Database and Licensed Natural Health Product Database . Report any health product adverse events or complaints to Health Canada.