This comes just weeks after the US barred the firm over allegations that the company uses forced labour, according to a report in Reuters.

The report said factories making everything from medical gloves to palm oil have increasingly come under scrutiny over allegations that they abuse foreign workers, who form a significant part of the manufacturing workforce.

“After the US suspended Supermax imports last month, Canada’s Public Services and Procurement Department said on Wednesday it was holding Supermax deliveries as it awaits a report, expected mid-month from Supermax Healthcare Canada.

“In light of the current situation, Canada has engaged with the company to seek assurances that Supermax Corp is not engaging in forced labour practices,” the department said in a statement to Reuters.

Supermax did not immediately respond to a request from the news agency for comment.

The US Customs and Border Protection issued a “Withhold Release Order” on Oct 21 that prohibits imports from Supermax based on reasonable information that indicates the use of forced labour in its manufacturing operations.

Supermax has said it was in contact with the US agency to obtain more clarity and that it had commissioned an independent consulting firm to conduct an audit on the status of foreign workers at its factories.

Canada said it would determine its next steps after reviewing the report from Supermax’s Canadian unit.

“The government of Canada is committed to ensuring that it does not do business with companies that employ unethical practices, either directly or within their supply chains,” it added.