Calgary man receives fine, probation for selling “Miracle Mineral Solution,” an unauthorized drug
Posted Jul 20, 2023 9:31 am.
A Calgary man has received a $12,000 fine and a two-year probation order for selling an unauthorized drug, often known as “Miracle Mineral Solution,” according to Health Canada.
The government agency said Wednesday that Pedro Acuna Saavedra, the lone director of Primordial Beauty Inc. pleaded guilty to charges under the Food and Drugs Act, related to the sale of unauthorized drugs containing sodium chlorite, commonly known as Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS).
It adds Acuna was sentenced to a $12,000 fine and a two-year probation order prohibiting the possession of sodium chlorite and the advertisement, sale, and manufacturing for sale of any unauthorized health products, including drugs and natural health products, earlier this month.
Health Canada says MMS has been promoted under different names, such as “Miracle Mineral Supplement” and “Master Mineral Solution.”
These products have been promoted as treatments for a range of health issues, including serious conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, childhood autism and COVID-19.
According to the department, sodium chlorite is a chemical typically used as a textile bleaching agent and disinfectant. It says ingesting sodium chlorite can cause poisoning, kidney failure and harm to red blood cells which reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen, among other effects. It can also cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
No health products containing sodium chlorite have been approved by Health Canada for consumption by humans. However, there are some approved disinfectants and veterinary products that contain sodium chlorite.
MMS products are not allowed to be sold in Canada.
Health Canada advises against using MMS for the treatment of ailments and encourages individuals to report the sale of the unauthorized products to the department.
Consumers are reminded to look for health products that have a drug identification number (DIN), a natural product number (NPN) or a homeopathic medicines number (DIN-HM) on the label. These numbers mean that the product has been reviewed by Health Canada for safety, efficacy, quality, and is authorized for sale in Canada.
People can also check whether products have been authorized for sale by searching the Drug Product Database, the Medical Devices Active Licence Listing and the Licensed Natural Health Product Database.
