Sodium Chlorite Solution Not Authorized for Oral Consumption by Humans

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire -02/15/12)- The issue:

Health Canada is advising Canadians that using "MMS", also known as Miracle Mineral Solution or Miracle Mineral Supplement may cause serious health problems. The product information lists sodium chlorite as an ingredient and is promoted as a substance that can cleanse toxins from the human body. There are no therapeutic products containing sodium chlorite authorized for oral consumption by humans in Canada.

These serious problems include poisoning, kidney failure and harm to red blood cells that reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. Additional health problems may also include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Who is affected:

Canadians who have purchased MMS associated with www.themmsstore.com.

What consumers should do:

 

--  Consumers should consult their health care practitioner if they have
    used or are using MMS products.


--  If consumers have questions such as disposal or refunds regarding MMS
    associated with  www.themmsstore.com, contact the distributor at 1-403
    652-1655.


--  Consumers should report any adverse reaction to Health Canada (see
    below).

What Health Canada is doing:

Health Canada has notified the distributor associated with www.themmsstore.com that the sale of sodium chlorite for human consumption is in contravention of the Food and Drugs Act. We have also requested that the distributor remove this product from the Canadian market, which they have agreed to do.

Health Canada has also identified and previously taken action on an unauthorized sodium chlorite solution (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_74-eng.php). If additional products containing sodium chlorite promoted for oral consumption by humans are identified, Health Canada will add them to this list of affected products (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2012/2012_21ch-eng.php). Canadians are advised to monitor this list for any possible updates.

Background:

MMS distributed by www.themmstore.com claims to contain 28% sodium chlorite solution. Based on these claims, when taken as directed, MMS provides approximately 200 times more sodium chlorite than the tolerable daily intake of sodium chlorite in water established by Health Canada.

Reports to Health Canada indicate that ingestion of this product has been associated with three adverse reactions in Canada, including one life threatening reaction.

Sodium chlorite is authorized in Canada for use as a germicide by veterinarians and as a hard surface disinfectant.

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 side effects to health products:

To report suspected adverse reaction to these or other health products, please contact the Canada Vigilance Program of Health Canada toll-free at 1-866-234-2345, or complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/report-declaration/ar-ei_form-eng.php) and send to us using one of these methods:

 

Fax:           1-866-678-6789

E-mail:         CanadaVigilance@hc-sc.gc.ca

Internet:       www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect

Mail:          Canada Vigilance Program
               Marketed Health Products Directorate
               Ottawa, ON, Address Locator 0701C

Related Health Canada Web Content:

Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document - Chlorite and Chlorate (June 2008) (www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/chlorite-chlorate/index-eng.php)

Egalement disponible en francais