Warning
2002-38
May 16, 2002
Warning not to consume Longdan and Lung Tan Xie Gan products
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising Canadians not to consume any Longdan or Lung Tan Xie Gan products as they may contain herbs that contain Aristolochic Acid. Aristolochic Acid is considered to be carcinogenic and has been shown to cause mutations in human cells and end-stage kidney failure. Aristolochic Acid is potentially harmful to humans at any concentration.
A Health Canada investigation identified the following Longdan and Lung Tan Xie Gan products sold in Canada:
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Longdan Xiegan Wan: A red, blue and white paper envelope, which contains single doses in plastic wrap envelopes. Made by China Beijing Tong-Ren Tang, Beijing, China.
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Lung Tan Xie Gan Pills: A green and white cardboard package with red letters, which contains 100 pills in a glass bottle. Made by Kwangchow Pharmaceutical Industry Co., KwangChow, China.
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Longdan Xie Gan Wan: White cardboard packaging with green highlights and black lettering, containing 30 pills in a glass bottle. Made by KwangChow First Chinese Medicine Factory, China.
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Longdan Xie Ganwan: Predominantly green cardboard packaging with white accents and gold lettering, containing pills in a glass bottle. Made in Sze Chuan, China.
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Concentrated Lung-Tan-Xie-Gan Pills: White cardboard packaging with green accents and red lettering. Contains pills in a white plastic bottle. Made by China Beijing Tong-Ren Tang, Beijing, China.
Health Canada is working with the manufacturers, distributors and importers to recall the products sold in Canada. A customs alert has also been issued, to prevent the importation into Canada of Longdan and Lung Tan Xie Gan products.
Health Canada first issued a warning on Aristolochic Acid in November 1999. It was determined at that time that this ingredient posed a Class I Health Hazard, meaning that there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a product will cause serious adverse health effects or death. There have been no reports of adverse effects related to Aristolochic Acid in Canada.
Pictures of the products:
 Chinese Version
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Media Inquiries:
Tara Madigan
Health Canada
(613) 946-4250
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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