Marcelino investigated for sharing imported guyabano leaves

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This article was published 02/06/2016 (3592 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen has formally asked Health Canada to investigate interim NDP leader Flor Marcelino for importing and distributing a form of natural medicine.

Goertzen cited in his formal complaint a May 28 Free Press article reporting that Marcelino has for the past three years shared the dried leaves of the guyabano fruit plant, which she purported has healed and cured cancer in several people.

Health Canada said from Ottawa Thursday it has already opened a file to look into Marcelino’s involvement with guyabano.

But to further complicate an already complicated saga, Marcelino issued a statement Thursday afternoon claiming that a representative of Health Canada in Winnipeg — who she refused to name — has assured her the case is closed.

Goertzen formally complained to a department called the natural and non-prescription health products directorate of the health product and food branch.

Said Goertzen: “We write to you to refer this matter for your investigation to identify any possible violations that may currently exist under any legislation, regulations, or guidelines.

“As well, if it would be a matter for any other Health Canada branch, or governmental/civilian legislative authority,” the minister wrote.

Health Canada said from Ottawa Thursday that it is already looking into Marcelino’s activities, based on the Free Press coverage.

“Health Canada will undertake the appropriate follow-up and take action should it be required‎. The primary objective of Health Canada’s compliance and enforcement approach is to manage the risks to Canadians using the most appropriate level of intervention,” said a spokeswoman.

“They have opened a file,” she said.

An aide to Marcelino said that the NDP will not name the official who allegedly closed the books on Marcelino, but said he works here in the office of health product compliance west.

“Health Canada’s regulations are crucial to the health and safety of all Canadians. I have responded to the letter they sent recently with a statement confirming that I will abide by the legislation and regulation. The representative affirmed that this was a common situation for products of cultural value to individuals and that my statement should resolve the matter,” Marcelino said by email.

Goertzen told reporters Thursday that he is not aware of a precedent for a legislator reporting another legislator in such circumstances.

“As legislators, we have a higher standard to follow,” Goertzen said. “There’s regulations that govern it, and the importation of it, and the distribution of it.

“It was odd… purporting to be a cure of something very, very serious,” Goertzen said. “People in that situation are in very dire straits, and would do anything.”

Officials from both Health Canada and CancerCare Manitoba told the Free Press last week that not only is there no medical evidence guyabano — also known as graviola, soursop or annona muricata — is an effective treatment for cancer, there are potentially dangerous side effects in ingesting its leaves.

Ottawa requires approvals and permits to bring guyabano leaves into Canada and to sell or give it away, and has regulations requiring it be promoted only for authorized uses.

In an earlier email to a Free Press reporter proposing a story on guyabano, Marcelino wrote: “I have been sharing guyabano leaves (no charge) to family, friends, acquaintances and even complete strangers after hearing that it has healed several folks I know of cancer, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

“I know of two people now who are still around after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Actually there are many cases in the Philippines that I have heard of being cured by the leaves. One whom I know very well had breast cancer,” she wrote.

Earlier this week, Marcelino released a statement that she would no longer claim guyabano treats cancer, and would not use her legislature office to hand out the dried leaves.

The Health Canada spokeswoman said that the federal agency could seize the products after an investigation, but was uncertain what additional penalties might be available.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca

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