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News18
5 days ago
- Health
- News18
India Defers 'Cosmetic Changes' Over Mercury Threat, Even As Anti-Ageing Craze Grows
Last Updated: An expert panel has warned that cosmetic products, often not subjected to toxicological scrutiny, pose significant danger when laced with mercury, especially through prolonged use Even as concerns rise over the safety of anti-ageing and skin-whitening products—particularly after the untimely death of television personality and actress Shefali Jariwala sparked national debate—India's top panel of experts at its drug regulatory body has chosen not to tighten its mercury regulations in cosmetics, despite firm recommendations from an expert panel. At its latest meeting in June, the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) reviewed a proposal submitted by Botswana and Burkina Faso, on behalf of the African region, to amend Annex A of the Minamata Convention on mercury. The proposal, presented at the fifth Conference of Parties (COP-5) in Geneva in 2023, urges countries to phase out the manufacture, import, and export of cosmetics containing over 1 part per million (ppm) of mercury by 2025. India had earlier constituted a subcommittee to evaluate the country's regulatory alignment and obligations under the treaty. The panel comprised public health and toxicology experts, including a representative from the ministry of environment. In its report, the subcommittee explicitly recommended that 'mercury use in the formulation of cosmetics has to be stringently discouraged/stopped", citing environmental and health risks. A copy of the recommendations has been seen by News18. The panel also warned that cosmetic products, often not subjected to toxicological scrutiny, pose a significant danger when laced with mercury, especially through prolonged use. However, the expert panel, DCC, concluded that India's current regulations under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, are already in line with the Minamata Convention. It ruled that 'no amendments are needed" citing Rule 39(5), which permits up to 70 ppm mercury in eye-area cosmetics and 1 ppm unintentional mercury in other finished products. News18 has seen the minutes of the DCC meeting. This decision stands in contrast to growing public and professional concerns about mercury-containing cosmetic products, which have surged in popularity amid the country's booming anti-ageing and fairness industry. The tragic death of Shefali Jariwala, widely speculated to be linked to complications possibly arising from cosmetic or aesthetic procedures, has reignited concerns about the largely unregulated market for anti-ageing and skin-lightening treatments. What is the Minamata Convention? Botswana and Burkina Faso are countries in Africa, and, in the context of international environmental negotiations, they often speak on behalf of the African region at global forums. The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty adopted in 2013 under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The treaty aims to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury and mercury compounds. At the Minamata Convention on Mercury, these two nations jointly submitted a proposal to amend Annex A (Part I and II) of the convention. Their proposal aimed to phase out mercury-added cosmetics globally by 2025—including products like skin-lightening creams, which are widely used across various regions, including parts of Africa and Asia. What did the subcommittee suggest? Primarily, the panel concluded that 'mercury use in the formulation of cosmetics has to be stringently discouraged/stopped". The subcommittee had further advised that identifying mercury-containing products should be a priority. 'It is to be identified that which particular product(s) is/are having mercury in the formulation. For that, a combination of sampling and self-declaration has to be used for monitoring/documenting the existing products before accepting the declaration of Minamata Convention," it said. It further recommended an extension of two years to implement the proposed ban, urging the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to determine a clear methodology for eliminating mercury from cosmetic products. Additionally, the panel advised, 'The manufacturer(s) have to submit a self-declaration regarding their product that is not having/containing mercury. This will have to be eventually cross verified by stringent laboratory testing." Despite these recommendations, the DCC decided against any immediate changes. Experts warn this could leave consumers vulnerable. 'Considering the surge in online and offline sales of cosmetic products that promise quick fixes for ageing, pigmentation, and skin tone enhancement, often with undisclosed or unsafe levels of mercury, the decision may prove costly," said an industry expert on cosmetics and toxicology who retired from one of the largest cosmetic brands operating in India. 'The subcommittee recommendations were accurate and needed attention, as mercury is lethal enough to cause heavy damage." Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : cosmetic health mercury Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 05, 2025, 07:30 IST News india India Defers 'Cosmetic Changes' Over Mercury Threat, Even As Anti-Ageing Craze Grows
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Drug labelling norms under review: Expiry date readability flagged; govt panel to examine packaging reforms
India's top drug regulator has set up a sub-committee to revamp labelling norms on medicinal products after receiving consumer complaints about illegible expiry dates and glossy packaging that hampers readability. The Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC), under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), took up the issue earlier this month and recommended the formation of a sub-committee to examine labelling and packaging issues in detail. The panel will also explore the need for regulations covering suppliers of packaging materials and printed foils under the Drugs Rules, 1945. 'Various concerns have been raised by consumers from time to time like letters of expiry date are too small and hence it's important to look at this matter,' a government official told ET. The Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC), under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has decided to set up a sub-committee to examine labelling and packaging issues of medicinal products in detail, following a rise in consumer complaints about unreadable expiry dates and glossy medicine strips. The sub-committee will also assess the feasibility of introducing regulatory provisions for packaging material and printed foil suppliers under the Drugs Rules, 1945. In a move aimed at enhancing accessibility and patient safety, the government is also considering implementing voice-assisted QR codes and braille cards on medicine strips. This initiative, officials said, is intended to improve transparency and make drug packaging more patient-friendly. A separate committee will be constituted to evaluate the feasibility of these digital upgrades, the report added. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Hard to read drug labels may soon be loud and clear
Finding it hard to check expiry date and other details on a medicine strip due to tiny prints on a shiny surface? Help is on the way. India's drug regulator has formed an expert committee to revamp labelling of medicinal products to make it easy to read, people familiar with the development told ET. The move follows increasing consumer complaints, particularly over difficulty in locating the expiry date, and glossy and shiny surfaces of medicine strips that make labels hard to read. 'Various concerns have been raised by the consumers from time to time, like the letters of expiry date are too small, and, hence, it's important to look at this matter,' a government official said. There have also been calls for a universally recognised symbol on generic medicines to help distinguish them from branded ones. The matter was taken up by the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (DCC) this month. The panel decided to constitute a sub-committee to look into the matter in detail and submit a report. It recommended including a packaging expert in the sub-panel. The sub-committee would also evaluate the feasibility of incorporating suitable regulations for suppliers of packaging materials such as printed foils under Drugs Rules, 1945. The government is also considering voice-assisted QR codes and braille cards on medicine strips to make them patient friendly, bring transparency and improve patient safety , people cited above said. A committee will soon be constituted for the same, they added. The regulator may consider mandating that medicine strips should contain 10 units and integrate QR codes with voice assistance features, sources said.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Clear & Legible: Labelling on drug packets to get a booster
Do you find it difficult to read the details on a medicine strip, with the surface being too glossy and shiny. Here's a good news. India's regulatory body has constituted an expert committee to revamp labelling of medicinal products so as to make it clear and easy to read, people in the know told ET. The decision has been taken following grievances and concerns of consumers with regard to labelling of medicinal products. Some of the concerns raised were-unable to find the expiry date, the surface of the medicine strip being too shiny to read the details. "Various concerns have been raised by consumers from time to time like letters of expiry date are too small and hence it's important to look at this matter," said a government official. The consumers have also felt the need to have a universally recognised symbol on the generic medicines to distinguish it from branded medicines. The matter was taken up by the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (DCC) this month wherein it was decided to constitute a sub-committee to look in to the matter of packaging issue in detail and submit its report. The DCC also recommended to include one packaging expert in the sub-committee. Further, the sub-committee shall also evaluate the feasibility of incorporating suitable regulation for suppliers of packaging materials/ printed foils, etc. under Drugs Rules, 1945. The government is also considering voice assisted QR codes braille card on medicine strips to make them patient friendly, bring transparency and improve patient safety. A committee will soon be constituted for the same too, people in the know told ET.
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Business Standard
30-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
CDSCO lists 17 drugs safe to flush to prevent harm from misuse at home
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has released a list of 17 medicines—including opioids such as fentanyl, tapentadol and buprenorphine—permitting the general public to flush them down the sink or toilet to prevent harm to people and pets in the home. The list is part of the central drug regulator's draft guidance document for the safe disposal of unused or expired drugs, aimed at preventing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and other public health risks. 'There is a small number of medicines that may be especially harmful and, in some cases, fatal with just one dose if they are used by someone other than the person for whom the medicine was prescribed,' the CDSCO stated in a guidance document dated 26 May. The CDSCO added that the objective of the guidance document is to provide clear and comprehensive instructions, in accordance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and other applicable laws, for the safe disposal of expired and unused drugs. Unscientific disposal of unused or expired medicines is considered one of the primary sources of environmental pollution, with carelessly discarded antibiotics seeping into soil and water bodies and eventually affecting human life. 'In an effort to tackle the unsafe disposal of unused drugs, state governments, in coordination with local bodies, may establish the methodology and facilities for the collection and disposal of unused or expired drugs according to the provisions of the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016,' the document added. The draft guidance also details methods for the collection, storage, transport and disposal of 11 other types of expired or unused drug dosages and packaging, with separate instructions for manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, hospitals and other stakeholders. These include anti-infectives, antineoplastics, radioactive drugs, and medicines in packaging such as ampoules, aerosol canisters and PVC materials, among others. The draft proposal for the safe disposal of unused and expired medicines comes five years after it was first placed at the 58th meeting of the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) of the CDSCO in July 2020. The committee had recommended constituting a sub-committee to examine the issue and prepare the guidance document.
