Foreign Product Alert: Health Canada

July 19, 2006

Health Canada is warning consumers about a product called Safi, manufactured by Hamard Wakf Laboratories in India and Pakistan. In November 2005, the U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency issued an alert on Safi because it was found to contain toxic levels of arsenic.

Safi is marketed as a blood purifier, but may also be marketed to treat skin conditions such as acne, boils, rashes, blemishes and hives. This product may also be promoted for the treatment of nose bleeds, constipation, indigestion and weight maintenance.
Safi is a liquid supplied in a dark brown opaque bottle with a yellow screw top and lime-green labelling and packaging. Click here to see a picture of the bottle.

Arsenic can affect the liver, bone marrow, cardiovascular system and central nervous system, causing nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle cramps, heart abnormalities, liver damage, anemia and reduced motor nerve function.

Health Canada issued a Public Advisory (March 4, 2005) and Warning (July 14, 2005) that alerted Canadians about the presence of toxic levels of arsenic and its associated health effects in the product Safi.

For further information please see:

Health Canada warns consumers not to use certain Ayurvedic medicinal products

Some Ayurvedic medicinal products reported to contain high levels of heavy metals