What’s the Latest: Health Canada warns of bacteria found in unauthorized peptides sold online
Health Canada has issued a warning about unauthorized peptides sold online after detecting harmful bacteria in the products. The agency has seized over 11,400 vials from Shanghai ERP Peptide Biotechnology Co. Ltd. and related retailers, and it is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent further illegal shipments.
Health Canada has seized over 11,400 vials of unauthorized peptides, including products from Shanghai ERP Peptide Biotechnology Co. Ltd., and is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent further illegal shipments into Canada. The health agency emphasises the risks associated with these products, which have not been assessed for safety, efficacy, or quality, and advises consumers to seek immediate medical attention if they experience adverse symptoms after using them.
Health Canada has warned consumers against using unauthorized peptides following lab tests that found harmful bacteria in products sold online, urging immediate medical attention for any adverse symptoms. The agency has seized over 11,400 vials from Shanghai ERP Peptide Biotechnology Co. Ltd. and is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent further illegal shipments into the country.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain whether any legal repercussions will be imposed on the online retailers involved in selling the unauthorized peptides.
Health Canada alerts consumers about bacteria in illegal online peptides
Health Canada has issued a warning to consumers regarding unauthorized peptides sold online after laboratory testing revealed the presence of bacteria in these products. The agency highlighted that in Canada, injectable peptides are typically considered prescription drugs and should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.
The health authority confiscated over 11,400 vials of peptides imported from Shanghai ERP Peptide Biotechnology Co. Ltd. (ERP Peptide) along with materials from two online retailers selling these products. During testing, Health Canada detected three strains of bacteria that pose potential health risks to consumers.
Unauthorized peptides from ERP Peptide include Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, MOTS-C, NAD+, Retatrutide, Tesamorelin, and Tirzepatide. Health Canada stated, “Selling unauthorized drug products is illegal. Unauthorized products have not been assessed for safety, efficacy, and quality by Health Canada.” The agency warned that while these peptides are often marketed for benefits such as weight loss and anti-aging, they carry significant health risks, including hormonal imbalances and potential liver damage.
The dangers associated with these unauthorized drugs include improper dosing, harmful ingredients, and contamination with substances such as heavy metals and microbials. Health Canada urged consumers to avoid purchasing these products and to seek immediate medical assistance if they experience any adverse effects, including fever or swelling at the injection site.
In response to the risks, Health Canada has mandated ERP Peptide to cease the sale of these illegal products in Canada and is collaborating with the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent further imports.