World · India Bureau
Banned Pakistani Fairness Cream Still Circulates in Central India
Despite regulatory prohibitions, a Pakistani-manufactured fairness cream containing dangerous levels of mercury and lead continues to be sold across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Health officials warn that the toxic substances can cause severe organ damage when absorbed through the skin.
LSN India ·
A fairness cream imported from Pakistan remains available in retail markets across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, despite being banned by Indian health authorities due to dangerous heavy metal contamination. Medical experts have flagged the product as a significant public health concern, citing the presence of mercury and lead in quantities far exceeding safety thresholds.
Once absorbed through the skin, these toxic metals accumulate in the body and can damage vital organs including the liver and lungs, health specialists caution. Prolonged exposure may also trigger neurological complications and kidney dysfunction, according to toxicology assessments.
The continued circulation of the banned product in these states highlights enforcement gaps in the distribution chain. Regulatory agencies have intensified monitoring efforts, but the black-market availability of cosmetics containing hazardous substances remains a persistent challenge across Indian markets.
Health authorities recommend consumers verify product authenticity and check for regulatory approval stamps before purchasing fairness creams. Citizens who may have used the contaminated product are advised to consult dermatologists and seek medical evaluation for potential heavy metal exposure.