If harmful chemicals are found in cosmetics, we will ban them: U.T. Khader

Officials from the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) have seized samples of cosmetics, including lipstick and sunscreen, for testing in Bengaluru. Sources said preliminary findings had revealed carcinogenic compounds and various heavy metals in the samples.

“After a laboratory analysis, if any harmful heavy metal content is found in cosmetics of any brand, the government will take a decision on banning them,” Minister for Health and Family Welfare U.T. Khader told The Hindu. “While we have not received any complaints from the public, I have instructed officials to collect samples as these cosmetics do contain some harmful chemicals that pose a danger to women’s health,” he said.

A total of 22 cosmetic samples were collected by Drugs Inspectors and Assistant Drugs Inspectors from various places on Monday.

Srinivas K., FSDA Commissioner, said officials had collected samples of soap, shampoo, talcum powder, lipstick, and other products from roadside vendors as well as branded products sold in shopping malls and showrooms. “Preliminary analysis has found some carcinogenic substances in products such as lipstick. A report on the presence of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, as well as carcinogenic elements, will be submitted to the Health Minister. We found 23 types of heavy metals and chemicals in various cosmetics. We will prepare a list of a few more cosmetics and collect samples in large quantities soon. We will take legal action against the brands soon,” he said.

Bar shut

Following the inspection and seizure of expired food items at multiple star hotels, FSDA officials locked the kitchen of Skyye lounge bar located in Bengaluru’s UB City on Sunday after they seized 45 kg of rotten meat, 6 kg of rotten vegetable cutlets, food covered with mould, reused cooking oil, and expired dairy products. Thirty teams of FSDA officials have been formed to inspect the hotels for violation of rules related to hygiene and food safety. The inspection began on Friday.

According to a release shared by the FSDA, around 132 kg of food articles and 15 litres of used cooking oil were seized and discarded during the inspection at five other establishments. “Skyye was found to have an unhygienic kitchen, with rotten meat, expired milk and curd, and other food items which were unfit for consumption,” the release read.

Besides Skyye, officials seized 50 kg of duck meat and 5 kg of fish from Royal Chain Hotel, 5 kg of green peas from Madras Kitchen, 5 kg of mushrooms from Tescon Hotel, and 3 kg of fish, 7 kg of cake, potatoes, and tacos from Sanchez Hotel on Sunday. Notices were issued to these establishments for violating food safety norms.

Further, special inspections were also conducted at various international food businesses operating within the Greater Bengaluru Area (GBA), where food samples have been collected. During the inspection of the McDonald’s outlet on Brigade Road, it was observed that Magnesium Sulfite (MgSO₃) was being used in connection with the treatment/purification of used frying oil. Accordingly, a notice has been issued to the food business operator concerned in accordance with the applicable provisions, FSDA said.