Ayurvedic medicine products seized from Surrey store after lead poisoning

Fraser Health says a case of lead poisoning in Surrey, B.C., has prompted a warning about Ayurvedic alternative medicine products being sold in the city. Containers, seized by Fraser Health, labeled Kushta Varki Hadhtaal, from left to right, Kushta Zakooti and Kushta Zehroodh, are shown in a composite image made from three handout images. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Fraser Health, *MANDATORY CREDIT*

Health officials issued a warning Monday about Ayurvedic herbal medicine products sold in Surrey that may contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic.

There has been a case of lead poisoning associated with the Ayurvedic medicines sold at All in One Wholesale Cash and Carry on 85 Avenue and 128 Street, according to Fraser Health.

“The premises was found to have imported Ayurvedic products on site that are not authorized by Health Canada,” reads a notice from the health authority. “Some of these products were found to contain high levels of lead and other heavy metals, which may pose serious health risks for consumers.”

All unauthorized products have been seized from the store, officials said.

Ayurveda is a traditional medicine system widely practiced in India that encourages practices like yoga, meditation and dietary changes as well as herbal remedies to treat and prevent illness, according to the province.

The health authority advises those who use Ayurvedic medicine to only purchase products approved by Health Canada, as unauthorized products can pose serious health risks.

If you used a product without an eight-digit identification number, Fraser Health says to monitor for symptoms of lead poisoning and to seek medical attention and call B.C. Poison Control if experiencing unexpected side effects.