October 18 2013: Health Canada is informing Canadians that several natural health products are being voluntarily recalled by a number of Canadian companies due to a possible contamination with chloramphenicol, an antibiotic that may pose serious health risks to consumers.

Specialty Enzymes & Biotechnologies has provided contaminated raw materials to a number of companies producing natural health products for the Canadian market. As a result, natural health products from these companies are at risk of contamination with chloramphenicol.

The only products Health Canada is currently aware of potentially being contaminated are products used as digestive aids. Health Canada is working with Specialty Enzymes & Biotechnologies and its Canadians customers to confirm affected products and will continue to provide updates to Canadians as warranted. Chloramphenicol is associated with a rare risk of aplastic anemia, a serious blood disorder that can be fatal. This reaction is unpredictable and not related to a specific dose of chloramphenicol.

Chloramphenicol is a prescription drug and should only be used under medical supervision in adults and children after careful consideration of the risks associated with its use. Other side effects that can be associated with chloramphenicol include allergic reactions in people who have sensitivity to the medication, and effects on the bone marrow leading to decreased blood cells. In addition, it should not be used by pregnant or lactating women.

Products that have been identified as affected are: