As with any product, sometimes labeling and packaging errors find their way to store shelves; cannabis is no exception.
MarketWatch reported that two lots of Canadian cannabis products distributed by Aurora Cannabis Inc. were recall February 4 because of a labeling issue. “Boxes of product sold as CBD caps may have mistakenly contained a bottle of THC Sativa caps,” stated the source, “while boxes of Banana Split Hybrid may have contained Blue Dream Sativa.”
Higher Levels of THC.
A total of 2,180 units were affect, according to Marijuana Business Daily. The products in question were sale between December 14, 2018, and January 28, 2019, in Alberta and Quebec. The problem was complicate by the fact that products contained higher-than-anticipated levels of THC. The active ingredient, which could cause unforeseen reactions in users. The labeling mix-up further exacerbated the issue.
According to the recall notice on the Health Canada website, “Aurora received three complaints related to the recalled lots. Aurora has received one adverse reaction report regarding the ‘CBD caps’ product. Health Canada has not received any complaints related to the recalled lots. Health Canada added that the outside box may have been “incorrectly labeled.”
This latest Aurora Cannabis recall was not the only one experience in the past several. Months since marijuana legalization was enact in Canada in October 2018. In January 2018, the medicinal supplier CannTrust issue a voluntary recall of cannabis oil sold in 40-milliliter bottles. Prompted by another labeling error. And in December 2018 another supplier, Bonify, recall about 5,883 units of product. Because of “labeling errors and recordkeeping issues with production documents. That may not have met the requirements of Canadian cannabis regulations, according to Marijuana Business Daily.
First Guide to Recalls Published.
To assist cannabis producers in understanding voluntary recall requirements, Health Canada recently published its first guide to regulatory compliance, which explains roles and responsibilities as well as the steps in the recall process. Page 12 of the document provides examples of typical hazards necessitating a recall. Such as cannabis oil being mistakenly labeled with a lower concentration of THC than the product actually contain. And product labeling that left out mandatory health warning messages.
On the one hand, the fact that recalls are happening is a good sign that the system is working. And regulations are being follow. On the other hand, these latest developments underscore the need for cannabis producers and distributors to keep up with constantly evolving compliance issues, particularly as they relate to labeling. When you need to quickly update your packaging or product labels. High-quality label printers such as the ones featured at Argon Technology’s U.S. store or Canada page are a cost-effective, timely solution.
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