Hesh Pharma Products May Be Contaminated With Bacteria

Starting date:

August 13, 2010

Posting date:

August 13, 2010

Type of communication:

Advisory

Subcategory:

Cosmetics

Source of recall:

Health Canada

Issue:

Contamination, Product Safety, Microbial Hazard

Audience:

General Public

Identification number:

RA-110003682

The issue

Health Canada is warning Canadians that several hair care and skin care products manufactured by Hesh Pharma of India have been found to be contaminated with bacteria. These products pose a risk to people with weakened immune systems and can cause an infection if they are inhaled or introduced into the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth, or via open wounds on the skin. Hesh Pharma products are known to have been distributed to various ethnic stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, and Ontario, but may be sold throughout Canada.

Who is affected

Consumers who have purchased products manufactured by Hesh Pharma of India.

What consumers should do

• Consumers who have purchased products manufactured by Hesh Pharma of India should stop using the product immediately and dispose of it in regular household garbage.
• Consumers who have bought these products and experienced adverse health effects should speak to a health care provider.
• Adverse reactions to cosmetics can be reported to Health Canada using a form available on Health Canada's website.

What Health Canada is doing

Health Canada has tested several different Hesh Pharma products and has consistently found bacterial contamination at high levels in all products tested to date. Health Canada has previously published voluntary recall notices for Hesh Pharma products (January 14, 2010 and June 22, 2010).

The Department has been actively working with known importers and retailers to remove Hesh Pharma products from the store shelves. However, because of the high number of reported retail outlets, the Department is concerned that some retailers may not be aware of the issue and may be continuing to sell these products. At this time, Health Canada has not received any complaints related to these products.

Health Canada is working with Canada Border Services Agency to stop future shipments of the product from entering Canada.

Products recalled/affected

The Hesh Pharma products available in Canada include, but are not limited to, the following products:

• Hesh Aritha Powder
• Hesh Shikakai Powder
• Hesh Tulsi Powder
• Hesh Heenara Mehendi Powder
• Hesh Rose Petal Powder
• Hesh Lemon Peel Powder
• Hesh Naturoriche Kalpitone Powder
• Hesh Amla Powder
• Hesh Neem Leaves Powder
• Hesh Multani Mati Powder
• Hesh Orange Peel Powder
• Hesh Naturoriche Skin Tone Up Powder
• Hesh Brahmi Powder

A full list of Hesh Pharma products can be found on the manufacturer's website.

For more information

Consumers and health professionals wanting more information about this advisory from Health Canada can contact the Public Enquiries Line at 613-957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

Media enquiries related to this Advisory should be directed to Health Canada Media Relations at 613-957-2983.

How to report problems with consumer products

Health Canada is interested in receiving reports of incidents or injury reports related to consumer products and cosmetics, including those that have been previously recalled (health and safety related complaints). Incidents or injuries may be about the same hazard or may be about a different hazard related to the same product. An incident report form can be accessed on the Health Canada website.

Related Health Canada Web Content

• Voluntary Recall Notice for Hesh Shikakai Powder
• Voluntary Recall Notice for Hesh Aritha Powder