India’s drug regulator has issued a public health alert on Wednesday against two unauthorised cosmetic products allegedly manufactured in Pakistan, warning consumers that their use could pose grave health risks owing to excessive levels of heavy metals in them.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) recently flagged Chandni Whitening Cream and Goree Beauty Cream, advising the general public not to buy or use either product.
CDSCO warns of toxic effects
In its warning, the CDCSO said both the whitening creams contain ‘excessive heavy metals’ beyond the specified permissible limits. The regulator warned that exposure to such substances could have toxic effects and pose a grim risk to health.
The warning has surfaced amid regulatory requirements governing the manufacture and import of cosmetics in India. As per the CDSCO, cosmetic products intended for consumer use must meet prescribed safety standards, while their manufacturing and import are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1950, and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
The standards applicable to cosmetic products are published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Consumers advised against buying products
The regulator went on to say that a license must be procured from the State Licensing Authority to manufacture cosmetics for sale and distribution in India. Imported cosmetics, meanwhile, must be registered with the Central Licensing Authority in accordance with the prescribed rules.
Against the backdrop of the same, the CDSCO specifically identified Goree Beauty Cream Made in Pakistan and Chandni Whitening Cream Made in Pakistan in its public health alert.
Consumers have been advised not to purchase either of the flagged products. Meanwhile, the ones who have already bought them have been asked not to use them, as well as similarly named cosmetic products.
Furthermore, the regulator has urged consumers to exercise caution while purchasing cosmetics and sign up for products that carry the required regulatory and manufacturing information.
Check labels before using cosmetics
Representative image
As per the advisory, consumers should check whether cosmetic products display details such as the manufacturing license number, manufacturer’s information, batch number and dates of manufacture and expiry.
In case of imported cosmetics, consumers should also look for the relevant registration number.