TFDA cautions public over use of banned cosmetics

Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA) has issued a health alert warning on the use of illegally imported prohibited cosmetics warning that on one hand the consumers’ risk major health threats while on the other hand, the government stands to loose huge sums in medical bill charges of the victims. 

 

The amount of banned cosmetics in the Tanzanian market is overwhelming, TFDA reports revealing that during the 2012/13 financial year they destroyed a shocking 34 tones of prohibited cosmetics following a nation wide crackdown.

 

TFDA Public Relations Manager Gaudensia Simwanza said in Dar es Salaam recently that of 3,968 registered cosmetics, 242 that have been identified to have the harmful contents of mercury and have been placed on the list of prohibited products.

 

She went on to issue a stern warning to fraudulent importers who continue to sneak into the country banned products for personal gains despite the danger posed to the public saying severe legal measures would be pursued against any found guilty of the practice.

 

 “I call upon the general community to collaborate by us to identify these deceitful businessmen who import harmful products,” she bid.

 

She explained that the unscrupulous traders use unofficial routes and ports to smuggle products into the country.

 

She however fell short of naming the identified harmful cosmetics and what signs should the final consumer look for when purchasing products to verify their legality other than the TRA logo which is mainly Tax payment verification.