Health Canada is warning Canadians that a counterfeit version of the authorized Daily Shield hand sanitizer has been found for sale at a Dollarama store in Thunder Bay and that it may have been sold in Dollarama stores across the country.
In a release, the federal health department states that the counterfeit version of Daily Shield hand sanitizer is unauthorized and made with an unknown formulation, which means it may not be effective at killing bacteria and viruses, and may pose serious risks to health.
This counterfeit product is also suspected to contain methanol, which is not authorized for use in hand sanitizers and could cause severe adverse reactions or death when ingested.
Health Canada has been advised by the authorized licence holder, Bio Life Sciences Corp. / 10932540 Canada Inc., that the product bearing the lot number Lot: 6942, Exp. May/2023 is counterfeit. It is sold in a 250 mL format.
Dollarama has agreed to stop the sale of Daily Shield hand sanitizer in Dollarama stores across Canada, while Health Canada continues to investigate the issue.
If you purchased this product, stop using it immediately. Consult your healthcare provider if you have used this product and have any health or safety concerns.
Photo: Health Canada
Photo: Health CanadaWhy Counterfeit Products are Dangerous
Counterfeit products are fraudulent versions of authentic products and may be harmful if used or consumed. Counterfeit products may contain ingredients not listed on the label, dangerous additives or other contaminants. In addition, they may not contain the active ingredients that Canadians would expect them to contain.
Hand sanitizers should be stored away from, and out of sight of, children under six years of age. They should always be used with adult supervision. As with all health products, always read and follow the directions on the product label. Never eat or drink hand sanitizers as ingesting even small amounts can be dangerous or fatal.
What you should do
- If you have this product, stop using it.
- Consult your healthcare practitioner if you have used this product and have concerns regarding your health.
- Keep all hand sanitizers out of the reach of children.
- If hand sanitizer is swallowed, call a poison control centre or get medical help right away.
- Report any health product adverse events or complaints to Health Canada.
