Pakistani-origin beauty creams seized in Maharashtra contain toxic mercury levels
Laboratory tests found one seized cream had mercury levels over 48,000 times the permissible limit in Nanded.
Government laboratory tests have revealed dangerously high levels of mercury and arsenic in beauty products labelled 'Made in Pakistan' seized in Nanded, according to reports by The Times of India, News18 and India Today.
The products, valued at approximately Rs 39.69 lakh, were confiscated during a joint raid by Itwara police and Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials at Afrah Collection in the Makkah Galli area on July 9.
Laboratory analysis found that PARLEY 24K Gold Gleam Beauty Cream contained 48,453.44 parts per million (PPM) of mercury, while the permissible limit is 1 PPM. Another product, GOREE Beauty Cream with Lycopene, recorded 6,924.94 PPM of mercury.
During the raid, officials identified the shop operator as Mohammad Ziauddin Mohammad Wajid. The seized stock featured packaging in Urdu and English claiming Pakistani origin.
Police have registered criminal cases against the accused operator and associates under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act.
Authorities have warned that prolonged exposure to such heavy metals can cause skin disorders, kidney damage, and neurological complications. Consumers have been urged to report the sale of unauthorised imported cosmetics to local drug inspectors.