A recent Health Canada announcement has resulted in health products containing gentian violet being pulled off of shelves.
Health Canada has concluded that using gentian violet increases the risk of getting cancer. Gentian violet is a “natural” ingredient used in both human health products and veterinary drugs.
The ingredient is an antiseptic dye used to treat fungal infections, and Health Canada says products containing gentian violet have been used on skin and open wounds.
Trevor Shewfelt with the Dauphin Clinic Pharmacy says that the proposed cancer risk around the ingredient isn’t something new, adding that he has been reading about it for at least five years.
Dr. Roxanne Neufeld with the Dauphin Vet Clinic says that the product is used in two main products called Blue-Kote, and Guard and Wound Spray. She also said that producers shouldn’t be overly concerned if they have used the products.
The recall has been mostly voluntary and done by the companies producing the products.
Both Shewfelt and Dr. Neufeld recommend that if anyone has a product containing gentian violet, they should return it to their local vet or pharmacy.
