Business owner fined for selling dangerous skin lightening products

A Manchester businesswoman has been fined more than £2,400 after cosmetics were discovered on sale which could pose a risk to people’s health.

Some 51 skin lightening products were seized from TM Cosmetics, Moston Lane and testing later confirmed they contained the banned ingredient hydroquinone.

Hydroquinone can damage the elastin strands in skin, as well as causing premature ageing and weakening.

It can also lead to neuropathy, a disease of the nervous system, damage the liver and increase the risk of the developing skin cancer from exposure to UV radiation.

The owner of TM Cosmetics, Meg Chuks, 48, has appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court and was fined £1,400 and ordered to pay cost of £900 with a victim surcharge of £140.

Chuks had previously been advised about supplying the skin lightening products when similar items she had imported were stopped at Manchester Airport.

Cllr Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council executive member for neighbourhoods, said: “Thanks to the work of our trading standards officers these potentially dangerous cosmetics have been prevented from reaching the public.

“It is quite simply inexcusable to sell products that contain banned ingredients, especially after being made aware of the risks previously. I hope the severity of this fine sends out a clear message, we will not tolerate unscrupulous businesses putting profit before people’s health.”