Crackdown on cosmetics using banned substances

Dubai Municipality is intensifying its crackdown on manufacturers and distributors of cosmetics and toiletries that contain banned substances linked to cancer and animal products that violate Islamic beliefs.

Industry sources said some products available on the international market contained substances such as arsenic, lead and jelly or fat produced from swine or dogs.

"Manufacturers should ensure that their products do not contain dangerous metals such as mercury, zinc cyanide, lead, chrome and cadmium and preservatives that cause cancer or other problems," said Redha Hassan Salman, Head of the municipality's Public Health and Safety Department.

"Companies exporting these products into the UAE have to obtain a certificate from the approved health authorities in the country of origin and get them endorsed by the UAE mission there.

"Cosmetic manufacturers can also obtain certificates from internationally approved laboratories or have products tested and certified by the Dubai Municipality Central Laboratory."

Manufacturers of some health supplements and cosmetic products have to obtain a halal certificate from internationally recognised halal bodies certifying that the products are suitable for human consumption in an Islamic country such as the UAE. The certificates should prove the products do not contain animal fat and jellies widely used in the cosmetic industry.

Salman said in a presentation at the Beautyworld Middle East Show in Dubai that more than 1,000 chemicals were used by the cosmetics industry.

"Some companies use small quantities of 1.4-Dioxane, a carcinogenic contaminant of cosmetic products," he said. "1,4-Dioxane is a trace contaminant of some chemicals used in cosmetics, detergents and shampoos. Manufacturers are reducing the quantity of the chemicals to low levels before the chemicals are turned into products."

He said the municipality would regulate the use of specific types of plastic products in packaging.

"The standardisation of packaging rules will also help the municipality to crack down on counterfeit or substandard products."

Other problems included the excessive use of fluoride in toothpaste, which produced brown marks and cracks on teeth.

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