3 tonnes of spurious cosmetics destroyed

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has destroyed three tonens of spurious cosmetics and herbal medicines at Al Dhafra Hygiene Landfill.

These products have recently been confiscated from the local market following inspection campaigns conducted by the Public Health Division in collaboration with the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi to cosmetics selling outlets.

Khalifa Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director of Public Health said that Municipality of Abu Dhabi City is keen on the health and safety of the public, noting that cosmetic outlets have recently been stuffed with fake cosmetics, creams and other materials containing chemical concentrations higher than the permissible thresholds; contrary to the applicable specifications and standards of health.

"The destruction of the above materials was carried out after a judicial ruling was sought from the Municipal Court for a number of reasons topped by: the products are expired, the expiry date is vague, or ingredients are not labeled on the package. In some cases it was discovered that there was a mismatch between the description of ingredients labeled on the package and the actual contents inside when subjected to laboratory analysis.

"Lab tests also proved that certain products contain high concentrations of toxic elements such as mercury and arsenic, not to mention the poor packaging, and indecent images displayed on the pack. Some products were subject to a directive or reference floated by one of the UAE's municipalities or other competent body banning the use of the said brand or product as it was discovered to be invalid and unfit for human use," said Al Rumaithi.

He added that the Municipality's crackdown and market enforcement measures on these harmful products would be maintained and called on the public to immediately report any expired or adulterated products offered for sale at cosmetics outlets or used at beauty parlors.

The Director of Public Health called upon merchants, suppliers, exporters and local manufacturers of cosmetics to take early action towards registering their products before distributing them in the market in order to ensure that consumers' health and safety is maintained.

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