FRASER Health, BC Centre for Disease Control, and the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre are warning the public not to consume Wing Hing brand sand ginger powder purchased from Wing Hing Trading Co. Ltd., located in the Crystal Mall, Unit 1162 – 4500 Kingsway, Burnaby, as it may contain poisonous monkshood powder.
Monkshood is the common name for a plant called Aconitum. Roots of the plant, which look very similar to ginger root, contain the toxin aconitine that can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, irregular ventricular contractions, and in severe cases, death.

Wing Hing brand sand ginger powder was sold in 70 gram packages. There is no identifying lot information on the packaging. Fraser Health Public Health advises people who have this sand ginger powder to not consume it and discard it immediately.

Fraser Health began an investigation into the sand ginger powder after two people presented to hospital in early February with heart irregularities after consuming the product. Fraser Health has since seized the remaining product from the store and continues to work with other agencies to ensure it is further removed from the marketplace.

If you experience any symptoms of poisoning, seek medical attention, and call the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre at 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911.

If you have any questions or need more information, call Fraser Health’s Burnaby Health Protection office at (604) 918-7683.