Solihull Council has successfully prosecuted a Solihull hair and beauty supplier after they were found to be illegally selling dangerous skin lightening products.
Mr Manzar Mahmood, aged 39 of Highcroft Avenue, Birmingham and his business AZ Hair Design at Station Road, Solihull, B91 3TG, were fined £10,000 at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Friday 12 January for selling products containing banned and harmful ingredients.
The dangerous skin lightening creams, some of which contained hydroquinone, an ingredient banned in retail products across Europe due to its potential to cause cancer. More skin lightening creams on sale also contained other banned ingredients.
The prosecution came after staff at Solihull Council’s Trading Standards team received a complaint about the safety of a product purchased at AZ Hair Design from a member of the public.
Mr Manzar Mahmood pleaded guilty to the charges against him and charges against his business. He was handed a fine of £5,000, while the business received a fine of £5,000 and was ordered to pay £2,567 costs.
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure, Cllr Wazma Qais, said: “Some skin lightening products can cause cancer, which is why they are banned. Businesses that ignore the law and sell these dangerous and illegal products face prosecution, fines and even imprisonment.
“I would like to thank the Council’s Trading Standards team for their continued work to ensure businesses operating in Solihull comply with their legal obligations, and for following up this complaint successfully. The resident’s complaint and the team’s actions have ensured that these particular harmful products will not be sold.
“If you have any trading standards concerns, please report them to Solihull Council on 0121 704 8001."
Residents concerned about a business selling dangerous products can contact Solihull Council's Trading Standards team through calling Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or Contact Citizens Advice consumer service here