Health Canada says dangerous bacteria found in more than 11K vials of unauthorized peptides seized from online retailers

Health Canada has announced the discovery of dangerous bacteria in over 11,000 vials of unauthorized peptides seized from online retailers in Canada. The federal health agency tested injectable peptides sourced from Shanghai ERP Peptide Biotechnology Co. Ltd., a Chinese-based wholesaler, which were being sold by two Canadian retailers, truenorthbiolabs.ca and bcaxiompeptide.com.

Upon examination of more than 11,400 vials seized, bacteria capable of causing serious infections were detected. Health Canada warns that while these unauthorized peptides are often marketed for weight loss, muscle growth, anti-aging, or wellness purposes, they can pose significant and unpredictable health risks. Injecting contaminated products may lead to severe infections, hospitalization, and in extreme cases, life-threatening sepsis. People with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of infection.

If individuals have used unauthorized injectable peptide drugs and experience symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain at the injection site, fever, chills, or general malaise, they are advised to seek immediate medical attention, as these could indicate a serious infection. Following this compliance and enforcement action, the two websites have been shut down.

ERP Peptide has been instructed to cease selling illegal peptides into Canada, while the Canada Border Services Agency is directed to prevent unauthorized shipments from entering the country. Authorized prescription drugs in Canada bear an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) on their labels, and consumers can verify a drug's authorization by searching Health Canada's Drug Product Database.