Health Canada is warning Canadians that Ayurvedic products sold by A1 Herbal Ayurvedic Clinic Ltd. may pose serious health risks.

Health Canada inspectors have seized products, ingredients and equipment from A1 Herbal Ayurvedic Clinic Ltd. in Surrey, British Columbia (31-8430, 128 Street), and from an affiliated clinic in Brampton, Ontario (11-351 Parkhurst Square). The seizures came after the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control informed Health Canada of a case of heavy metal toxicity involving a patient who was using products from the Surrey clinic. Laboratory testing identified lead and mercury in the products. Lead and mercury are heavy metals that may pose serious health risks when consumed in excessive amounts. Children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women are most susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals.