Dubai: Health authorities in the UAE have banned a skin whitening cream for containing a hazardous level of mercury.
Mena Facial Cream, which were sold in a number of retail outlets and on social networking sites, was used to lighten skin and remove dark pigmentation, as well as dark circles under the eyes.

The Department of Health in Abu Dhabi announced that after carrying out a number of laboratory tests on product samples, the results indicated a high percentage of mercury level in the Mena facial cream.
Health officials explained that high mercury levels poses a serious health risk to children and pregnant women, and can lead to symptoms that include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, muscular contractions, diarrhoea, anaemia and problems with the nervous system.   

The Department of Health confirmed that it issued a circular to all government departments to ban the Mena brand of facial cream, and warned the public against purchasing product.
Residents in Abu Dhabi can contact the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre on 800555 to find out which medicines approved by the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD) or visit the website www.haad.ae.
Residents in Dubai can call the municipality’s hotline number 800900 to verify the registration status of consumer health products.

SOURCE : GULFNEWS