A Stroud Green Road based company and its director have pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates to supplying highly dangerous soaps and cosmetics following a joint operation by Islington Council’s trading standards and environmental health teams.Kee Foods Ltd and company director Mohammed Keekeebhai was visited by an officer from the trading standards team in March 2004 and was found to be selling skin lightening products containing hazardous ingredients namely hydroquinone and mercuric oxide. A number of items were seized during the visit and the trader warned.Events took a twist in June 2004 when an eagle-eyed technical officer from the council’s environmental health section came across a large number of suspicious cosmetics in a previously unknown store area whilst carrying out a hygiene inspection. The officer called her trading standards colleagues and they subsequently seized over 8,500 dangerous products.A total of 18 specimen charges were brought under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 resulting in a fine of £1800 with costs of £1807 (total £3607). All the products are to be destroyed by the council. Both the substances in the soaps and skin lighteners are very dangerous. Hydroquinone can cause headache, nausea, cramps, dizziness and vomiting.Mercuric oxide is only allowed in very small amounts and in excess is very toxic, can be fatal if swallowed or inhaled and is seriously damaging to the skin. “This prosecution should send out a clear signal to the trade that we won't tolerate the selling of such dangerous goods in Islington ", said Cllr George Allan, Executive member for customer focus.“Our prompt action prevented these products causing serious harm to hundreds of members of the public. We routinely inspect hundreds of businesses in Islington to make sure that products on sale are safe for members of the public. If anyone has concerns about soaps or cosmetic products I would encourage them to seek advice from Islington Council’s trading standards department on 020 7527 3198.”NotesHydroquinone was always a substance that was restricted to low levels (under 2%) but following concerns was banned altogether in 2001. The offence is contained in the primary legislation, the Consumer Protection Act 1987 under which the Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 2003 (as amended) were made. An offence is committed if non-compliant goods are supplied, offered for supply or are in possession for supply.Mercuric oxide is only permitted in soap in very tiny amounts.
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008