Czech authorities flag supplements containing excess mercury levels for sale on eBay
Inspectors identify ‘Bruhat Vata Chintamani Rasa STANDARD Quality Suvaranakalpa,’ (10 tablets) and ‘Bruhat Vata Chintamani Rasa PREMIUM Quality Suvaranakalpa,’ (10 tablets) as two products exceeding mercury levels laid down by European legislation.
An analysis of Bruhat Vata Chintamani Rasa STANDARD Quality, a remedy for rheumatoid arthritis that contains aloe vera leaf pulp, found a mercury level of 164 grams per kilogram (g/kg).
A similar test for Bruhat Vata Chintamani Rasa PREMIUM Quality, a remedy for cardiovascular disorders, found a mercury level of 76.5 g/kg. The maximum limit for presence of mercury laid down by European legislation is 0.0001g/kg.
RASFF notified
CAFIA says the information has now been noted in the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). The Authority will also ask for withdrawal of these products from the auction service eBay.
Further investigations by the Authority reveal that the products are made by India-based Shree Dhootapapeshwar Ltd., 135, Nanubhai Desai Road, Khetwani, Mumbai 400 004, Maharashtra, trading on ebay under the name ‘Saurabh-enterprises.’
The supplements have been the focus of an investigation by CAFIA back in April, where the product was found to contain extremely high amounts of mercury, lead, nickel and arsine.
Product samples obtained here revealed a mercury level of 72.2g/kg as inspectors found the product available on eBay and Amazon.
CAFIA suspected that the product also appeared in an e-shop primarily targeted at Czech consumers offered as a natural and alternative preparation (Natural & Alternative Remedies) or further medical preparation (Other Health Care Supplies).
