Thiruvananthapuram: Pakistan-made fairness creams, including popular brands Faiza and Goree, have been found to contain dangerously high levels of mercury during inspections conducted by the Kerala Drugs Control Department. The findings have raised serious concerns over the health risks posed by unregulated skin-whitening products being sold in the state.
The action was taken as part of ‘Operation Soundarya’, a special drive launched by the Drugs Control Department to crack down on counterfeit, substandard and illegally marketed cosmetics. Officials found that some of the creams contained mercury at levels far above the permitted limit, with test results reportedly showing concentrations of up to 20,000 parts per million (ppm).
Mercury is a toxic substance that can cause serious health problems when used repeatedly or absorbed through the skin. Excessive exposure may lead to skin disorders and can potentially affect vital organs, including the kidneys and nervous system.
Officials also found that several Pakistan-made cosmetic products were being sold without adequate documentation or purchase bills, raising concerns about their source and the legality of their distribution. Authorities have initiated steps to withdraw the products from the market and have begun legal action against manufacturers and distributors found violating the law.
₹9.64 Lakh Worth of Cosmetics Seized
Across four phases of Operation Soundarya, the Drugs Control Department has seized counterfeit and substandard cosmetics worth approximately ₹9.64 lakh in Kerala.
The products seized included cosmetics that failed to comply with the standards prescribed under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, products manufactured without the required licences and items marketed without complying with statutory requirements.
Apart from face creams, officials collected samples of lipsticks, baby powder, baby soap, baby oil and other cosmetic products for quality testing.
Authorities Warn Consumers
The Drugs Control Department has urged consumers to purchase only cosmetics manufactured and marketed in accordance with legal and quality standards. Consumers have also been advised to carefully check product labels before purchasing.
Officials said buyers should ensure that cosmetics clearly carry the manufacturer’s name and complete address, along with all mandatory labelling information. Products with unclear origins, missing documentation or suspicious labelling should be avoided.
The department has also urged consumers to report suspected counterfeit or illegally marketed cosmetics through its toll-free helpline, 1800-425-3182.
The latest findings underline the growing need for stricter monitoring of imported and unregulated skin-whitening products, particularly those containing potentially hazardous substances such as mercury.
