Abu Dhabi – More than 40 health and cosmetic products have been deemed unsafe for the UAE market since January, the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH) has revealed.

The list, last updated on March 27, includes dietary supplements and cosmetic products found to be adulterated or contaminated, posing a serious health risk to consumers.

According to the DoH, the unsafe products include items marketed for bodybuilding, sexual enhancement, weight reduction, cosmetic purposes, and other health-related benefits.

Authorities have warned that many of these items are produced in unsanitary conditions, violating good manufacturing practices (GMP).

Adulteration and Contamination Risks

Some of these products were found to contain biological contaminants such as yeast, mold, and harmful bacteria, while others were tainted with heavy metals.

Additionally, several items were discovered to be adulterated with undeclared pharmaceutical substances that could pose severe health risks when consumed unknowingly.

Among the listed products are Bronz Tone Black Spot Corrector, Bio Claire Lightening Body Lotion, Re5hape Hi Morning, Rhino Super Long Lasting 70000, Pink Pussycat, and Gluta White Anti-Acne Cream, among others. A total of 41 items have been flagged as hazardous (the full list is available at the end of this article).

Authorities Urge Public Caution

Health officials have cautioned residents against using these products, emphasizing that the misuse of medications and dietary supplements can lead to severe health complications.

Many individuals assume supplements are entirely natural and safe, but they may not be aware of hidden dangers—particularly when these products are mixed with other medications.

The DoH has reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring and removing harmful products from the market by relying on reports from global health organizations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as national regulatory bodies.

Legal Consequences for Violators

The UAE government has stringent laws in place to combat commercial fraud and ensure consumer protection.

Federal Decree-Law No. 42/2023 was introduced to eliminate counterfeiting, address commercial fraud, and regulate the trade of counterfeit and adulterated goods.

Under this law, violators face severe penalties. Those found guilty of distributing unsafe or counterfeit products could face imprisonment for up to two years and fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh1,000,000.

In cases of aggravated offenses, penalties could escalate to imprisonment and fines between Dh100,000 and Dh2,000,000, along with the mandatory confiscation or destruction of illegal goods.

Repeat offenders may face doubled penalties, and authorities have the power to shut down the offending establishment for up to a year. Additionally, managers who were aware of fraudulent activities but failed to take preventive measures may also face legal consequences, including imprisonment.

Consumer Vigilance Encouraged

Authorities have urged consumers to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of health-related products before purchasing them.

Consumers are advised to purchase supplements and cosmetics only from licensed pharmacies and authorized retailers to avoid exposure to harmful substances.

Residents who suspect a product may be unsafe or counterfeit are encouraged to report it to the relevant authorities to ensure public health and safety remain a top priority in the UAE.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members