A pair of licensed medical cannabis product producers recently had to issue voluntary recalls of several products after the products were found to contain low levels of prohibited pest control chemicals.
The products were found to have unacceptable levels of myclobutanil, bifenazate, and pyrethrins. Under current Health Canada regulations, licensed producers are permitted to use only the 13 pest control products presently approved for use on cannabis.
Health Canada has responded to the recall by announcing that, beginning Feb. 7, it will be commencing with random testing of medical cannabis products from licensed producers so it can assure Canadians are getting safe and quality-controlled products.
These tests are designed to ensure only those pest control products that have authorized for use in production are part of the process.
Health Canada has stated the new random testing is not a response to any compliance issues with the licensed companies involved in the recalls, but are corrective actions based on recommendations to come from investigations that are
initiated for any recall.
"When any health and safety issue is found with a medical cannabis product, the first priority for Health Canada and the licensed producer is to protect the health and safety of clients by ensuring that they are informed and that the affected product is recalled," stated a release from Health Canada.
"Health Canada is satisfied with the outreach to affected clients by the licensed producers. Corrective actions have been implemented by both companies, including an expanded testing regime that covers myclobutanil and other pest control products."
Further compliance education and information will also be flowing to licensed producers to support and strengthen product safeguards, while expanding the current regime of unannounced inspections of facilities.
Health Canada has stated the department remains committed to continue improving safety and working closely with the current 38 licensed producers.