Certainty in Uncertain Times

Now, more than ever, we are hearing about inferior health products as companies and importers race to stock shelves with millions of face masks, gloves, disinfectants, etc. in response to the pandemic.

Unfortunately, this has resulted in some inferior and unsafe products reaching consumers.

As a result, Canadians are looking for certainty and reassurance with the products they are buying.  (Of course, importing items through the mail direct from other countries does come with its own risks.)

The federal government provides valuable resources for Canadians to ensure that they are safe and healthy.  You can find the link at www.lenwebbermp.ca/safety-notices-recalls or download a mobile app.

The Health Canada website provides information about consumer product, food and health product recalls and safety notices.

Sometimes these notices contain information about potentially deadly issues and other times it may draw attention to a mislabelling or packaging issue.

For example, finding out that a product you bought at the grocery store may have come into contact with peanuts may not be an issue for you, but it could be deadly for someone else.  With the right information, you can decide on your best course of action.

Each notice will explain what product is affected, how to identify it (including photos) and what you should do.  You can also report health or safety concerns about a product which can help identify widespread concerns.

Please note that the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act prohibits recalled products from being redistributed, sold or even given away in Canada.

Many faults and problems with medical devices come to the attention of Health Canada from reports from Canadians like you.  You can report any complaints involving medical devices to Health Canada by calling toll-free at 1-800-267-9675.  You should also make the store that sold the item aware of any problems or concerns.