The eThekwini municipality has warned the public against using illegally imported cosmetics after its health unit seized stock.
|||The eThekwini Municipality has warned the public against using illegally imported cosmetics after its health unit seized of skin-lightening products containing dangerous, banned substances.
Municipal spokesman Thabo Mofokeng, said “significant quantities” of the products have been seized in the past weeks from retail businesses and street traders in Tongaat and Verulam.
“Such cosmetics are used to lighten skin and contained substances which can burn the skin and cause irreparable damage”,
Mofokeng said, adding it was illegal to manufacture, sell or import any cosmetic product that contained hydroquinone and its monobenzyl, monoethyl and monomethyl ethers.
He said the cosmetics had been illegally imported from countries including India, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), England and Cote d’ Ivoire.
“There are a number of health risks associated with the use of such products. As the product is often applied to the sensitive facial areas, severe scarring may result. More severe reactions may also include chest pains, breathing difficulties and swelling of the skin, especially in the facial area,” he said.
Some of the products seized included: Extra Clair Lightening Beauty Cream, manufactured in India; Caro Light Lightening Beauty Cream manufactured in the DRC; Caro Light Lightening lotion manufactured in the DRC; Bio Claire Lightening Lotion manufactured in Cote d’ Ivoire; Caro Light Skin lightening oil manufactured in the DRC; Extra Claire Body lightening soap manufactured in Kinshasa, DRC; Extra ClaireLightening Body Cream, and the Rico complexion cream (50g) made in England.
The municipality appealed to the public, wholesalers and retailers who may be aware of such products to call its health unit at 031 311 3555. - Daily News