Mumbai: In a resolute move to combat illicit activities in the cosmetic industry, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Abhimanyu Kale led a raid on the premises of Raj Products in Mumbai. The operation, conducted in collaboration with enforcement authorities, aimed to clamp down on unauthorized cosmetic manufacturing units.
Speaking on the raid, the Maharashtra FDA Commissioner underscored the agency’s unwavering commitment to regulatory compliance and public safety. He further said, “The FDA remains steadfast in its mission to curb illicit practices in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. We will continue to uphold regulatory standards and conduct such crackdowns to maintain the integrity of the market and ensure the safety of consumers.”
The raid, initiated based on confidential information, uncovered that Raj Products, under the proprietorship of Anand Patel, was manufacturing cosmetics without the requisite licenses. Specifically, the company was found producing “Prince Enriched Coconut Hair oil” by blending coconut oil and light liquid paraffin, which were then packaged in pre-printed High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) containers.
Light liquid paraffin is used to treat itchy, irritating dry skin problems such as eczema and dermatitis. It’s quite effective in treating rough skin and nutrient deficiencies. Light liquid paraffin oil is used as a food additive, thickener, and stabilizer in dough and batter. Being tasteless, paraffin liquid light is also used to keep odors at bay in perfumes, flavors, and soaps.
HDPE is a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. As one of the most versatile plastic materials around, HDPE plastic is used in a wide variety of applications, including plastic bottles, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, bleach bottles, cutting boards, and piping.
This blatant violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics (D&C) Act 1940 prompted swift action from the FDA. The Drugs Inspector, Greater Mumbai, P B Aswar, seized raw materials, finished products, empty containers, and machinery used in the manufacturing process, amounting to a total worth more than Rs. 8.88 lakhs.
Joint Commissioner (Vigilance) FDA, Rahul Khade, and Assistant Commissioner (HQ-IB) FDA, U.G. Bagmare provided active guidance throughout the operation, emphasizing the collaborative effort of the enforcement agencies.
Kale said that the raid sends a strong message to rogue manufacturers that the FDA will not tolerate non-compliance with regulatory frameworks. Legal proceedings have been initiated against Raj Products, and further investigations are underway to ensure accountability for the violations.
