OTTAWA - Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to report any health or safety incidents related to the use of a consumer product or cosmetic. An easy-to-use incident report form is now available on the Department's website.
Recent public opinion research shows that approximately one-third of Canadians have, at least once, bought products that they found to be unsafe. Improving product safety is in everyone's best interest. While it is the responsibility of industry to ensure that the consumer products they manufacture, import, sell or advertise in Canada are compliant with the Hazardous Products Act and its regulations, consumers have an important role to play as well.
As a consumer, it is very important to report any health or safety incidents, whether recent or in the past, to both Health Canada and the affected company. Incident reporting can help the Government be more proactive. The information that Health Canada receives helps the Government to work more efficiently with industry to address hazardous products and to inform consumers about product risks and hazards.
All reports received will be reviewed and prioritized according to the health and safety risk. Incidents representing a higher risk will receive priority attention. If Health Canada determines that a reported incident should be reviewed further, the Department may contact the individual who reported it for more information. Information received may be used to take action on hazardous consumer products but will not be shared without the individual's consent.
To stay informed on consumer product issues, sign up for Consumer Product Safety News to receive updates when new information, including consumer product recalls, is posted to the Health Canada website. A full list of products that have been recalled can be found in the Consumer Product Recalls Database.
Canadians can also add the new Health Canada Recalls and Advisories widget to their own website, blog or social networking site to obtain timely health and safety alerts. The widget will automatically be updated with important safety advisories such as product recalls and it will link users to the on-line incident report form. More importantly, Canadians can share updates with their friends and family and take an active role in preventing any future incidents.
You may also follow Health Canada on 
Twitter, where this information is shared regularly.
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Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
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1-866 225-0709
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