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A total of 41 cosmetic products on the Ghanaian have been found to contain dangerous chemicals that have the potential to cause deadly diseases, including poisoning of the kidney and permanent damage of the nervous system.

A health alert issued by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) said its investigations have revealed the products have been adulterated with mercury, hydroquinone or steroids, which it said “are not permitted in cosmetic products” due to their potential health risks.

These chemicals, the Authority said, could cause permanent neurological damage in children exposed to mercury during pregnancy and or lactation, kidney toxicity, fertility problems, birth defects, gastrointestinal toxicity, liver toxicity, skin infections and skin cancer among others.

It said the action by the nine companies responsible for the adulteration is in clear breach of Act 1973 (NRCD 173) and sections 111(c) and 113(b) of Act 851.

The FDA has consequently advised the public against purchasing any of the cosmetic products, and in the case of those who have bought some, “discontinue use and return all such products to the retail shops from where they were purchased or to the FDA”.

Meanwhile, it has directed the companies to immediately recall the products from the market.