The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nagpur Division, conducted a raid on a cosmetics firm in the Itwari market last week, seizing beauty products of Pakistani origin suspected to contain harmful levels of mercury and steroids.
Public Health Concerns
The products, believed to have been smuggled into India without the mandatory import licenses, have raised significant public health and safety concerns due to the potential presence of toxic substances like mercury and steroids. The consignment included beauty cream, face wash, body lotion, and whitening soap, all labeled as "Made in Pakistan" by Goree Cosmetics or Shaheen Cosmetics.
Violations Found
Preliminary checks revealed critical labeling violations, including the absence of batch numbers, manufacturing license details, manufacturer addresses, manufacturing dates, and expiry dates. These omissions violate the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The accused, Sativan Virwani, 50, reportedly admitted to purchasing the items from a Mumbai-based supplier named Saddam without any bills. Acting on precise intelligence, a team led by assistant commissioners Anjali Mitkar and Manish Chaudhary, along with drug inspectors Swati Bharde and Abhishek Chawardol, conducted the surprise raid on April 18 at Kasarpura Galli in Itwari.
Legal Action
During the raid, Virwani could not produce any valid purchase records, import documents in Form COS-2, or licensing proofs. A formal complaint has been lodged at the Tehsil police station, leading to the registration of a case against the shop owner under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The FDA has warned consumers to be cautious while purchasing cosmetics and to check for proper labeling and import documentation. Further investigations are underway to trace the supply chain and identify other potential distributors.
