Health Canada recalls unlicensed ovulation and pregnancy tests

NORTH YORK · Health Canada has issued a product recall notice for Instant Aid Ovulation and Pregnancy Tests as they are unlicensed for use in Canada. The recall involves a company based in North York, according to Health Canada’s notice issued Oct. 26. Health Canada did not share a photo of the recalled product. The agency said the tests are being removed from the market because they have not been authorized for sale.

Unlicensed health products may not have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness or quality. The recall notice advises consumers to stop using the Instant Aid tests immediately. Health Canada said it is monitoring the recall and that the company is taking corrective action to address the issue. Consumers can report any health or safety incidents related to the use of products by filling out a consumer product incident report form. Report any drug or health product side effects or complaints to Health Canada. You can check for more recall notices published by Health Canada and CFIA online.

You can report a food concern or complaint to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) online. To report a health or safety complaint with a cannabis product, fill out the cannabis reporting form online. These reporting mechanisms are separate from the process for medical devices like pregnancy tests. This recall follows another recent action concerning pregnancy tests. Novello Desserts reported in October that Health Canada recalled Innovacon Inc.'s HCG one-step pregnancy tests over a risk of false positive results. Those tests were found to potentially detect low hormone levels unrelated to pregnancy. Health Canada routinely issues such recalls when products are found to be non-compliant with Canadian regulations. The agency encourages the public to verify that health products they purchase are authorized for sale in Canada. The latest recall notice for the Instant Aid tests is available on the Health Canada website.

With files from The Spec and Guelph Mercury