Gentian Violet deemed unsafe

Health Canada has issued an advisory to stop using Gentian Violet, sometimes called Crystal Violet, because it could cause cancer.

It is following up on a World Health Organization advisory.

Gentian Violet was once allowed as a dye tracer in animal and poultry feeds to judge the thoroughness of mixing.

However, Grand Valley Fortifiers once advised hog farmers to use it to counter DON, a use that was prohibited by federal regulations.

Documents obtained via Access to Information reveal that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency repeatedly warned Grand Valley Fortifiers about using Gentian Violet.

After its review, Health Canada has declared that there is no safe level of Gentian Violet. It has been used to treat fungal infections.