FDA Orders Immediate Ban on Three Beauty Creams Over Dangerous Heavy Metals
FDA Orders Immediate Ban on Three Beauty Creams Over Dangerous Heavy Metals
6 July, 2026: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public health alert after laboratory tests found dangerous levels of mercury and lead in three beauty creams. The department has ordered an immediate halt to the use, sale and distribution of the products across the state.
The three products declared unsafe are Goree Beauty Cream, reportedly of Pakistani origin, Face Fresh Gold Beauty Cream & Beauty Serum, and Golden Star Beauty Cream. The FDA has classified the latter two as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ).
According to the FDA, testing revealed that the creams contained excessive amounts of toxic heavy metals, including mercury and lead, far beyond the permissible limits. Health officials warned that prolonged exposure to these substances can cause serious health problems, affecting the skin, kidneys and nervous system.
The investigation also found that the products failed to meet mandatory cosmetic labelling requirements. They did not carry essential information such as the manufacturer’s name and address, batch number, manufacturing date and expiry date, making them non-compliant with cosmetic regulations.
The FDA has advised consumers to stop using or purchasing these products immediately. Retailers, wholesalers, distributors and e-commerce platforms have also been directed to remove the creams from sale. Stockists have been instructed to recall existing inventory and report the recovered stock to the nearest FDA office.
The action comes just days after Mumbai Police registered a criminal case against a shopkeeper in Chembur for allegedly selling Goree Beauty Cream despite the Centre’s ban on imports from Pakistan.
The latest move is part of the Maharashtra FDA’s ongoing crackdown on substandard medicines and cosmetics. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe recently said the department raided 34 manufacturing units across the state in June, seizing illegal drugs, medical products and cosmetics worth ₹4.12 crore. Of this, products worth ₹2.86 crore were seized, while the sale of products valued at ₹1.26 crore was prohibited.
The department also revealed that its laboratories tested 787 samples of drugs, cosmetics and medical products during June. While 752 samples met quality standards, 35 were declared Not of Standard Quality (NSQ). The failed samples included sunscreens, creams, shampoos, syrups, tablets, kumkum and injections that did not meet standards related to microbial contamination, potency, dissolution, sterility or labelling. During the enforcement drive, the FDA registered nine FIRs and arrested two individuals.
The FDA has urged consumers to remain cautious while purchasing cosmetic products and to buy only from authorised sellers to avoid potential health risks.
