Now Reading: Karnataka to ban cosmetics found with heavy metals or carcinogens
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Karnataka to ban cosmetics found with heavy metals or carcinogens
Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader announced that the government would ban any cosmetic brand found to contain harmful heavy metals or carcinogenic substances after laboratory tests. This follows the collection of 22…
The Story in Brief
Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader announced that the government would ban any cosmetic brand found to contain harmful heavy metals or carcinogenic substances after laboratory tests. This follows the collection of 22 cosmetic samples, including lipstick, shampoo, and talcum powder, from malls and roadside vendors by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA). FSDA Commissioner Srinivas K. said preliminary analysis found 23 types of heavy metals and chemicals. Simultaneously, FSDA sealed the kitchen of Bengaluru's Skyye lounge bar and issued notices to five other eateries after seizing rotten meat, expired dairy, and mouldy food during hygiene inspections.
Khader also warned that tattoo studios using unhygienic needles or inks and international chocolate brands selling inferior-quality products in India would face action. In February 2025, tests on eight tattoo ink samples had revealed up to 22 metals including arsenic and chromium.
The Indian Opinion
The crackdown on cosmetics and food joints is necessary, but the government must follow due process and not indulge in headline-grabbing raids. A blanket fear-mongering about all lipsticks and talc is unscientific, mere presence of a substance does not imply harm at typical exposure levels. What concrete testing standards and permissible limits will the state adopt? Without that, this remains a scare, not a policy.
Sources (3): thehindu.com, deccanherald.com, deccanherald.com (2)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
