'Miracle' products could kill, warns Health Canada

The federal department analyzed samples of Master's Miracle Fortified Mineral Neutralizer, an oral, ophthalmic and topical preparation manufactured by The Master's Miracle in Minnesota, USA, and intended to help balance the body's pH level. It found them to contain potentially dangerous bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa​ and Enterobacter cloacae​.

Laboratory tests also showed up the presence of Escherichia coli​ (E.coli) in a second product called Miracle II Miracle Neutralizer that is exported to Canada by Louisiana-based Tedco. When taken orally it is said to help relieve the symptoms of heartburn.

Adverse reactions to these contaminants, to which children may be more sensitive than adults, include nausea, severe diarrhea, body rash and fever. Consumers who have been exposed to the products and experienced symptoms or who are concerned about their health are advised to seek immediate medical advice.

The health and safety requirements of natural products in Canada are set out in the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations. Authorized products must carry either a Drug Identification Number, a Natural Product Number or a Homeopathic Drug Number.

Health Canada has emphasized that neither the Miracle's Master nor the Miracle II products carried any of these numbers and are therefore not authorized for sale in Canada. It says that they are sold mainly through the Internet but have also been stocked by some Canadian retail stores.

Health Canada has not yet formulated a policy for disposing of the products but is asking consumers not to dispose of them in the garbage or return them by mail. Instead, it says to keep them in a safe place and check back with Health Canada in the coming days.