More than 200 tubs of skin lightening cream removed from Stratford shops

Haul of skin lightening cosmetics thought to be imported from Ghana.

Melissa York, Reporter Monday, March 4, 2013
11:19 AM

Hazardous skin lightening creams have been targeted by Trading Standards to halt the sale of them spreading throughout London.

Skin lightening products seized by Trading Standards.

More than 239 tubs were seized last week from two Stratford shops that cannot be named for legal reasons as part of an operation to take the potentially dangerous cosmetics off the streets.

The skin lightening creams contain high levels of hydroquione which is a known carcinogenic substance banned in Europe.

This latest seizure was found by Newham Council’s Trading Standards officers after approximately 2,500 tubs of the cream were confiscated in Canning Town last year.

The team are targeting labels marked hydroquione which they believe is being imported from Ghana, West Africa.

Cllr Unmesh Desai, executive member for Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour, said: “Parents and young people must be very vigilant for these creams.

“Newham is taking the lead in London by cracking down hard as we believe it is circulating across the capital.

“Anyone who comes across it should contact their local council’s trading standards office immediately.”

Members of the public are urged to contact Newham’s Trading Standards team if they spot the cream being sold in the borough by calling Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

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