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Public advisory

Four lots of Charac and Charac-Tol activated charcoal products recalled

Starting date:
January 24, 2017
Posting date:
January 24, 2017
Type of communication:
Advisory
Subcategory:
Drugs
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Contamination
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-61930

Issue

Health Canada is advising Canadians that four lots of activated charcoal products are being recalled by the company Omega Laboratories Ltd. because they may pose health risks. Children and people with weakened immune systems are at particular risk.

The company has confirmed that two lots have microbial contamination (Charac-25 lot 8HL and Charac-Tol 50 lot 9HL) and is recalling the other two lots as a precaution (Charac-50 lot 7HL and Charac-Tol 25 lot 10HL).

These products are used in emergency situations to treat poisoning by most drugs and chemicals. They are used mainly in healthcare settings such as hospitals, but are also sold in stores such as pharmacies.

Products affected

  • Charac-25, lot 8HL, Expiry December 2018 (DIN 02056429)*contamination confirmed
  • Charac-Tol 50, lot 9HL, Expiry December 2018 (DIN 00649236)*contamination confirmed
  • Charac-50, lot 7HL, Expiry December 2018 (DIN 00637955)
  • Charac-Tol 25, lot 10HL, Expiry December 2018 (DIN 02060205)

What you should do

  • Do not use these products. Consult with your health care professional if you have used any of these products and have health concerns.
  • Return any unused products to the place of purchase. If you have questions about this recall, contact Ms. Rosette Sasouni at Omega Laboratories Ltd. by email or by calling 514-335-0310, ext: 3371.
  • Report adverse events to health products to Health Canada by calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345, or by reporting online, by mail or by fax.
  • Report complaints about health products to Health Canada by calling toll-free at 1-800-267-9675, or complete an online complaint form.

Who is affected

  • Consumers who have bought or used this product, particularly children and people with weakened immune systems.

Background

Ingesting a contaminated product may pose health risks. Children, the elderly and other people with a weakened immune system may be more susceptible to the more serious effects of infections.

The company has advised Health Canada that testing to identify the specific type of microbial contamination is underway. The specific potential health effects of exposure are therefore not yet known.

Media enquiries

Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Public enquiries

(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709

What Health Canada is doing

Health Canada is monitoring the company's recall. If new safety information is identified, Health Canada will take appropriate action and inform Canadians.

Images

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