Health Canada has announced a recall of all lots of the Alleviate Relief Stick, a topical pain relief product, due to undeclared ingredients and missing risk statements on the product label. The recall was initiated after concerns were raised about potential health risks associated with the product, which is marketed for relieving muscle and joint pain.
According to Health Canada, the Alleviate Relief Stick may contain undeclared ingredients, including menthol and camphor, which are not listed on the product packaging. These ingredients can pose serious health risks, particularly for individuals with allergies or sensitivities. Menthol and camphor, commonly used in topical analgesics, can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or respiratory issues in some users, especially if used in high concentrations or by vulnerable populations such as children or pregnant individuals.
Additionally, the product label lacks critical risk statements required by Health Canada, including warnings for individuals with specific health conditions or instructions to avoid use in certain situations, such as on broken skin or near mucous membranes. The absence of these warnings increases the risk of improper use, which could lead to adverse health effects.
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What Consumers Should Do
Health Canada advises consumers to immediately stop using the Alleviate Relief Stick and to dispose of the product safely. Those who have purchased the product are encouraged to return it to the point of purchase for a refund or contact the manufacturer, Alleviate Wellness Inc., for further instructions on disposal or returns. Consumers with health concerns related to the use of the product should consult a healthcare professional.
To report any adverse reactions or safety concerns, contact Health Canada at 1-800-267-9675 or submit a complaint online via the Health Canada website.
Background on the Recall
The recall was prompted by a routine inspection by Health Canada, which identified the undeclared ingredients and missing safety information. The product, distributed nationally across Canada, does not comply with Health Canada’s labeling requirements for health products. Authorized health products in Canada must display an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN), or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM) to verify they have been assessed for safety, effectiveness, and quality. The Alleviate Relief Stick does not carry any of these identifiers.
Health Canada is working with the manufacturer to ensure the product is removed from the marketplace and to prevent further distribution. The agency is also collaborating with the Canada Border Services Agency to monitor and block any additional imports of the unauthorized product.
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Ongoing Safety Measures
This recall is part of Health Canada’s broader efforts to protect consumers from unsafe health products. The agency regularly monitors the marketplace and investigates complaints to identify products that may pose risks. In recent months, several other health products have been recalled for similar issues, including undeclared ingredients and improper labeling, highlighting the importance of rigorous oversight in the health product industry.
Consumers are urged to verify the legitimacy of health products before purchasing by checking for proper authorization numbers and reading labels carefully. Health Canada also recommends consulting healthcare professionals before using new health products, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications.
For more information on this recall or to stay updated on other recalls and safety alerts, visit recalls-rappels.canada.ca.