Health Canada Seizes Unauthorized Health Products from Richmond Business for the Third Time

13 Sep, 2023

Health Canada Seizes Unauthorized Health Products from Richmond Business for the Third Time

Health Canada has once again issued a stern warning concerning unauthorized health products, marking the third such instance since 2019. The focus of this cautionary announcement revolves around a series of unapproved health items that were seized from a business located in Richmond, specifically Tokyo Beauty and Healthcare.

These nine products, offered for sale at Tokyo Beauty and Healthcare, were labeled for a range of purposes. Among them, three were intended for eye care, two for addressing eczema and rash-related issues, and one each for alleviating cold symptoms, wart removal, heartburn, and anemia, as outlined by Health Canada.

The core reason for the seizure of all these products lies in the fact that they contained ingredients that had not received approval from Health Canada for their advertised usage.

It's crucial to emphasize that the sale of unauthorized health products within Canada is illegal, a fact underscored by a warning prominently displayed on Health Canada's official website. These unapproved products have not undergone the necessary scrutiny by Health Canada, which means they have not been assessed for safety, efficacy, or quality, potentially posing various serious health risks to consumers.

Among the confiscated items, one, in particular, drew significant concern – "Baibao Neng Gold A for Relief of Cold Symptoms." This product was found to be labeled as containing dihydrocodeine phosphate, an opioid akin to codeine. However, Health Canada clarified that while codeine enjoys approval in Canada, there has been no authorization for any drug products containing dihydrocodeine. The agency went on to elaborate that dihydrocodeine tablets are sanctioned in certain countries for managing severe and chronic pain or as cough suppressants. Common adverse reactions associated with dihydrocodeine use include dizziness, headache, vertigo, visual disturbances, confusion, euphoria, nausea, and constipation. As is the case with all opioids, prolonged use of dihydrocodeine may lead to drug dependence, further highlighting the gravity of this discovery.

Notably, Health Canada had previously taken action against unauthorized products linked to Tokyo Beauty and Healthcare's establishment at 8191 Westminster Hwy. This occurred in both March 2021 and February 2019. Furthermore, the agency had also intervened in a similar manner concerning unauthorized drugs associated with another Tokyo Beauty store located in Burnaby's Metrotown mall in July 2021. It's essential to point out that both of these Tokyo Beauty locations share the same owner, a fact highlighted by Health Canada during its previous actions.

This recent incident is unique in that it marks the first time Health Canada has reported the seizure of an unauthorized product containing an opioid from a Tokyo Beauty location.

In response to these developments, CTV News reached out to the City of Richmond to inquire about the business license status of Tokyo Beauty and Healthcare and whether any punitive measures were being contemplated. The city responded, asserting that they do take criminality and health-related concerns into account when evaluating whether to suspend or seek the cancellation of a business license. Importantly, city staff were not informed of the investigation or inspection by health officials, either in advance or afterward. They are, however, committed to following up to determine what actions may be deemed appropriate in this case.

Additionally, CTV News has initiated contact with Health Canada for further insights into this matter, and any updates will be duly reported.