Warning

2001-94
August 24, 2001

Health Canada is warning Canadians not to use the pediatric product Tao Chih Pien as it contains aristolochic acid

OTTAWA - Health Canada warns consumers not to use the pediatric product TAO CHIH PIEN, as recent tests have shown that it contains aristolochic acid. Aristolochic acid can cause cancer, mutations in human cells and is known to cause end-stage kidney failure. Tao Chih Pien is sold in the form of tablets, and is said to be a diuretic and laxative.

The Tao Chih Pien product is not labelled to contain Aristolochia. However, in Chinese characters only, it is labelled to contain Mu Tong (a traditional term used to describe numerous herbs, including Aristolochia, that sometimes may be used interchangeably in traditional Chinese medicines).

The product packaging is white and yellow, with the words TAO CHIH PIEN (For babies) in English. It is manufactured by TianJin Medicines & Health Products Import and Export Corp in China. (product photo)

Health Canada has requested that importers immediately stop the importation and sale of this product, that the product be recalled to the retail level and that retailers remove the product from store shelves. To this end, Health Canada has also issued a Customs Alert for this product.

Health Canada advises individuals who have purchased this product not to consume it and return it to the place of purchase. Those who may have consumed this product should contact their health care professional.

Health Canada issued a warning on Aristolochia in November 1999 and a reminder in August 2001. This particular product was analyzed and found to contain aristolochic acid, as part of the ongoing market survey associated with the earlier August advisory. To date, no reports of adverse or toxic reactions related to products containing aristolochic acid have been reported in Canada.

Media inquiries:
Marie Morrisey
Health Canada
Pager: (613) 957-3840

Ryan Baker
Health Canada
(613) 941-8189