Two different fairness creams, one procured from a local barbershop, and the other purchased from the market with a, ‘made in Malaysia’ label caused kidney disease in two individuals, both from Raigad. A similar case was diagnosed early last year at Parel’s KEM Hospital. While there have been no known new cases in the city, a Salon & Beauty Parlour Welfare Association recently raised similar concerns with the local police and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA and if there are allied regulatory authorities need to check as a number of establishments are creating dubious creams etc and selling them to their clientele. Are these products tested, and how are they green flagged for sale, even if to a select, small clientele?