Recall of skin care products upgraded to highest risk level over presence of toxic metal
A recall of skin care products sold across the US has been upgraded to the highest risk level over fears the products could be contaminated with a toxic metal.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning for multiple skin lightening products sold online in August after tests showed they were contaminated with mercury, which can damage organs and cause neurological complications.
On Wednesday, the agency classified the recall as a Class I, which signals ‘a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.’
Products included in the Class I recall were Orbi 20 Whitening Cream and Omni Gold Anti-Marks Cream, which were imported into the US from Pakistan, Jamaica, Thailand and other countries.
Lab results show the products contain up to 27,000 parts per million (ppm) of mercury, well above the safe level of 1ppm set by the FDA.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
Anyone who has the products at home has been urged to throw them out immediately. Anyone who is concerned over any potential adverse health effects from the products has been told to contact their doctor.
According to the agency, the products were sold on eBay, and the platform has since removed the listings. Orbi has not committed to a recall, while the FDA was unable to contact Omni.
The FDA has warned against products sold online through eBay that contain mercury
The FDA said in a warning published in August: ‘The FDA does not allow mercury in drugs or in cosmetics, except under very specific conditions – conditions that these products do not meet.
‘OTC skin lightening products containing hydroquinone have not been approved by FDA for safety or effectiveness.’
The following additional products were included in the FDA’s initial warning: Deluxe Silken Bleaching Cream; La Crema De Rebeca; Jhalak Hand & Foot Beauty Cream; Dr Yanhee Cream Set (Blue); Dr Yanhee Cream Set (Green); CCM Special Cream Turmeric; and CCM Perfect 365 White Cream.
It is unclear how many Americans may have purchased these products.
Mercury is a toxic metal that can be absorbed into the bloodstream, especially with repeated use.
The FDA notes that health risks include kidney damage, kidney failure and signs of neurological damage such as tremors, tingling or numbness, headaches, fatigue and mood or cognitive disturbances and direct skin injury.
The FDA said: ‘The longer and more frequently these products are used, the greater the risk of harm.
‘Certain groups, including children and pregnant individuals, face heightened risks and should avoid exposure to these products.’
The above images show products named in the FDA’s class I recall
Health authorities estimate about six to 16 percent of US women ages 16 to 29 have blood mercury levels that exceed safety thresholds, putting hundreds of thousands of newborns at risk of developmental or cognitive issues while in the womb.
About 1,000 calls related to acute mercury poisoning are reported to poison control per year in the US.
FDA lab testing also showed the presence of hydroquinone, a skin-lightening substance, in several products. The agency said it has received reports of skin issues associated with hydroquinone such as rashes, swelling and discoloration that may be permanent.
Products in the warning are marketed as topical creams but may also be in injectable forms.
