OTTAWA — Health Canada is advising consumers to avoid use of an unauthorized quit-smoking product, citing a potential health risk.

Resolve contains an unacceptable amount of the ingredient "Cestemonol-350," which in excessive amounts could damage the kidney, liver or red blood cells, the agency said Friday.

Health Canada warns Resolve is adverstised as a natural quit-smoking aid available in Cool Peppermint and Wild Cherry flavours, and has been sold in retail stores across the country and on the Internet.

The federal health watchdog says the company has so far refused to recall the products, and it will take further action to remove it from the market.

Officials advise retailers to remove the product from their shelves, and consumers to return it to the point of sale.

Health Canada points out drugs and natural health products authorized for sale in Canada will have special eight-digit identification numbers on the label.