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3rd August , 2016 , Hits: 2247
As stipulated in the mandate, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has seized substandard cosmetic products and iron sheets from the market.
With reference to the cosmetic products, UNBS impounded over 80 cartons of cosmetic products containing prohibited substances.
In February 2016, UNBS issued a public notice prohibiting the importation, distribution, and trade of cosmetic products containing mercury and hydroquinone substance contrary to the Uganda Standards in the protection of public health.
Cosmetic products with Mercury and Hydroquinone are cancerous, they weaken internal organs such as kidney, liver, and they cause skin discoloration, reduction in the skin’s resistance to bacterial and fungal infections among others.
The products were impounded in an operation conducted in Kikuubo market, Kampala’s business hub.
The products are White Secrete Lightening Body Lotion, Bio Perfect Light, Lemon Clear, and Skin Light brands, all imported from DR. Cong, Togo, and Ivory Coast through the Kasese border post of Mpondwe and Bunagana in Kisoro.
The Iron sheets
Meanwhile, in the same operation conducted last week 29th July 2016, over 300 pieces of iron sheets were seized from Arua Park in Kampala
According to the UNBS Manager Surveillance Mr. Jackson Mubangizi, the culprits were changing the markings of the irons with intent to cheat the public
“They were removing gauge 30 and putting gauge 28 to mean that the iron sheet is stronger in strength and thicker yet it is not”, he said.
The Uganda Standards state that the higher the higher the gauge, the lower the thickness and vice verse. Gauge 28 is recommended for roofing a house.
Mr. Mubaganziz vowed to prosecute the culprits in accordance with the laws. He said culprits are liable to a three to six-months imprisonment term or pay fines between shs10m and shs100m or both.