The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent product recall for a specific skin cream after discovering it contains dangerously high levels of mercury, posing a serious risk to public health.
Immediate Withdrawal of Contaminated Product
Authorities have flagged a critical alert for Kohinoor Chemical Co's Tibet Snow Cream, which was found to contain mercury at a concentration of 85.92 mg/kg (0.0086%). This level significantly exceeds safety regulations, prompting immediate market withdrawal by distributor Lajawab Foods Limited.
The product presents a serious chemical risk as mercury is strictly prohibited in cosmetic formulations under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, commonly known as the Cosmetics Regulation. Consumers are advised to check for the product with barcode 8961100001019, which originates from Pakistan.
Health Authorities Issue Stern Warning
Government health warnings emphasise that mercury exposure can cause extensive damage to multiple bodily systems. "Exposure to mercury may cause a wide range of adverse effects, including damage to internal organs, the circulatory system, and the nervous system," states the official hazard notice.
The OPSS recommends that anyone who has purchased this product should:
- Stop using it immediately
- Contact the distributor to request appropriate redress
- Dispose of the product safely according to local guidelines
Understanding Mercury Exposure Risks
Health experts explain that mercury's danger depends on several factors including exposure method, duration, and individual susceptibility. The government website outlines specific health impacts:
Elemental Mercury Exposure Effects
When elemental mercury is inhaled as fumes, it can cause:
- Nausea, vomiting and flu-like symptoms including fever and muscle pain
- Cough, breathlessness and chest pain developing hours after exposure
- Potential lung damage and effects on kidneys, liver and muscles with larger exposures
- Central nervous system impacts including fatigue, nervousness, tremors, headaches, personality changes, memory loss and hallucinations
Skin contact may cause itching and redness, while eye exposure to fumes can lead to irritation, conjunctivitis, blurred vision and light sensitivity.
Inorganic Mercury Compound Risks
Although inorganic mercury compounds don't vaporise easily, ingestion presents significant dangers:
- Stomach irritation leading to nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Potential stomach ulcers with large ingestions
- Possible damage to kidneys, intestines and nervous system
The recall serves as a crucial reminder about cosmetic safety standards and the importance of regulatory compliance in protecting consumer health from potentially harmful substances.
