THE owner of a Selkirk natural health store is threatening legal action against Health Canada after the federal agency shut down his business earlier this week.
Terry Bell, owner of Wild Vineyard, said he submitted all of his natural herb products to an independent lab this week and there were no traces of toxins or lead, as Health Canada had stated in news reports.
Bell said Health Canada refuses to provide his lawyers with copies of the lab analysis it had carried out on his products, adding he believes the federal agency didn't do the lab work.
"We're going to initiate a lawsuit if they don't retract their statements," Bell said of his planned action against Health Canada. "An independent lab said Health Canada's claims are impossible. Our products are clean and safe."
Health Canada issued a statement Dec. 28 that some of the products made and sold by Wild Vineyard could pose human health risks because they were not manufactured according to Health Canada standards.
"Health Canada has evidence that some products contain heavy metal contamination with substances such as lead, and inappropriate labelling," Health Canada stated in its warning.
Health Canada spokeswoman Joey Rathwell said the Wild Vineyard products had been sent to a Health Canada lab for analysis, which indicated they posed a health risk including the presence of contaminants like lead.
Rathwell said in addition the product labels did not identify Wild Vineyard as the manufacturer and distributor, as required by Health Canada regulations.
Bell said he believes Health Canada launched its attack on his business based on the allegation of two disgruntled former employees, whom he fired after he caught them stealing.
Bell said he has operated Wild Vineyard since 1998, manufacturing and selling 24 natural herb products that are used to treat a variety of ailments. Bell said he uses such herbs as parsley, red clover, red raspberry and kelp -- separately and in combination.
Bell said he moved his products to a secret location before Health Canada could seize them, adding he's refused to turn them over to the federal agency. Bell said Health Canada needs a court order to seize his products.
aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca
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