Warning
1997-28
18 April 1997
Warning not to use Diana Cream
OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use Diana Cream. This product is manufactured in Lebanon and used primarily by members of the African, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean communities to change skin pigmentation. Diana Cream has been found to contain mercury and poses a high risk of mercury poisoning to adults who use it on a regular basis and a serious health hazard to unborn and nursing children of women who use the product.
While Diana Cream has not been approved for sale in Canada, the department is concerned as the cream is being illegally imported and sold mainly in hair boutiques, food stores and salons serving the African, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean communities.
Health Canada is issuing this warning to advise consumers who may be using this product, the Canadian Medical Association, the provincial Ministries of Health and poison control centres across Canada as a precautionary measure.
Diana Cream, manufactured by Diana de Beaute, Beirut, Lebanon, contains ammoniated mercury, bismuth subnitrate and salicylic acid. Anyone currently using Diana Cream should stop using it immediately and contact their doctor. Anyone having this product should return the unused portion to the point of purchase. As these products contain mercury they should be disposed of in accordance with provincial environmental guidelines.
Consumers are advised that any medication assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality will carry an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (D.I.N.) or general public (GP) number on the label.
Information:
Tony Halisky en français
Health Canada
Pager: (613) 791-3105.
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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