Thiruvananthapuram: The drugs control department has seized fake and substandard cosmetic products worth Rs 9.64 lakh as part of Operation Soundarya, an initiative launched to curb the sale of counterfeit cosmetics in the state.The seizure was made during four phases of the operation, completed by the last week of July. The value of cosmetics seized during the first phase was Rs 5,09,303, followed by Rs 2.50 lakh in the second phase, Rs 1.50 lakh in the third phase and Rs 55,000 in the fourth phase.The seized products included cosmetics that did not comply with the standards prescribed under Cosmetics Rules, 2020, as well as products manufactured or distributed without valid cosmetic manufacturing licences and those marketed in violation of statutory requirements.The operation was intensified following concerns over health problems linked to the excessive use of face creams, particularly among children and adolescents. Under the leadership of the drugs intelligence wing, statewide inspections were conducted and samples of face creams and other cosmetics were collected and sent to the drugs testing laboratories in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam for quality testing.Tests found excessive levels of mercury in some lipstick and face cream samples. Authorities subsequently initiated steps to withdraw the products from the market and took legal action against those involved in their manufacture and distribution.According to the authorities, the permissible limit of mercury in face creams is 1 ppm (parts per million). However, samples of Faiza and Goree face creams were found to contain mercury levels of up to 20,000 ppm.According to the drugs control department, such high levels of mercury could cause serious skin disorders and other health problems. The creams, manufactured in Pakistan, were reportedly being sold without purchase bills.Samples of various other cosmetic products, including lipsticks, baby powder, baby soap and baby oil, were also collected. Consumers can report suspected cosmetic products and violations to the department through its toll-free helpline 1800-425-3182.
