Maharashtra FDA Bans Pakistan-Origin Goree Beauty Cream
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale and distribution of Goree Beauty Cream, a product originating from Pakistan, after laboratory tests detected dangerously high levels of toxic mercury and lead. The ban was announced on July 6, 2026, following a crackdown on unauthorized cosmetics in the state.
Toxic Levels Detected in Lab Tests
According to the Maharashtra FDA, samples of the cream were tested at a government-approved laboratory, which revealed mercury content exceeding permissible limits by over 1,000 times and lead levels far above the safe threshold. The FDA stated that prolonged use of such products can cause skin damage, kidney failure, and neurological disorders.
"The presence of mercury and lead in such high concentrations is a serious public health concern. We have instructed all district FDA offices to seize stocks of this cream and initiate legal action against sellers," said an FDA official.
Health Risks and Consumer Warning
Mercury is a known neurotoxin that can accumulate in the body, leading to tremors, memory loss, and kidney damage. Lead exposure, especially in cosmetics, can cause anemia, hypertension, and reproductive harm. The FDA warned consumers to immediately stop using the product and report any side effects.
The cream was being sold illegally in several Maharashtra cities, including Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, often through unlicensed vendors and online platforms. The FDA has issued a statewide alert and is coordinating with e-commerce companies to remove listings.
Legal Action and Investigation
The Maharashtra FDA has registered a case under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and is investigating the supply chain. Authorities suspect the cream may have been smuggled into India via Nepal or Bangladesh. The FDA has also alerted the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to track cross-border movements.
"We will not tolerate the sale of substandard and hazardous cosmetics. Strict action will be taken against those involved in manufacturing, importing, or selling such products," the official added.
Impact on Consumers and Market
Consumer rights groups have welcomed the ban, urging the central government to impose a nationwide prohibition. The incident has raised concerns about the lack of stringent checks on imported cosmetics. The FDA advises consumers to purchase only Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-certified products and to verify labels for ingredients.
The ban is expected to affect thousands of users in Maharashtra who relied on the cream for skin lightening. Dermatologists warn that such products often contain banned substances and can cause irreversible skin damage.
