Newham’s crackdown on cancerous cosmetics

by Kay Atwal, Chief Reporter Saturday, October 13, 2012
12:01 PM

A renewed crackdown is being launched on potentially dangerous cancer causing cosmetics across the borough.

Newham Trading Standards are redoubling their efforts after 2,500 of the cancer causing cosmetics were seized in Canning Town area and neighbouring borough earlier this year (February) in a joint operation.

Officers are targeting the skin lightening creams with labels marked hydroquione which they believe is being imported from Ghana. It is particularly popular among ethnic communities and often used for skin lightening. It is dangerous because it contains high levels of cancer-causing Hydroquione which is a known carcinogenic substance and banned in Europe.

Cllr Unmesh Desai, Newham Council’s 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.”

Go through Consumer Direct on 01622 626520/ 01622 626523 and ask for Newham Trading Standards.