UNBS suspends Vargin Beauty (U) Limited operations

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has suspended production operations of Vargin Beauty (U) Limited located in Muyenga Bukasa close, Wakiso district.

This is after the UNBS surveillance team found 39 Sacks of the banned Carolight cream of 300ml, 24 Boxes of Carolight cream of 300ml and 39 Sacks of Empty containers of Carolight and Princes Clair at the premises, giving an impression that the factory could be reblending the creams to produce the Vargin Beauty products contrary to US EAS 377-1: 2013, Cosmetics and cosmetic products — Part 1: List of substances prohibited in cosmetic products.

Carolight cream is one of the products banned by UNBS in Uganda for containing Hydroquinone, whose long term use could lead to cancer.

The seized products, estimated to cost shs550,000,000 include; Vargin Herbal Jelly, Vargin Botanicals Avacado Oil, Vargin Botanicals Natural Body Cream, Vargin Botanicals Body Soap Lightening, Vargin Skin Care (Olive Oil),  Vargin Body Cream, Vargin Lightening Soap, Vargin Coconut oil and Vargin Botanicals Natural Body Cream.

Also found at the premises were 39 boxes of EXPIRED Maidi and assorted cosmetic products; 13 boxes of Eldena, 22 boxes of Vargin Botanicals Body Cream, 3 boxes of Vargin Botanicals Body Cream, 45 boxes of Purifying Neem Face Wash 45Boxes, 8 boxes of Gental Hydrating Face Wash , 4 boxes of Nourishing Face Moisturising Lotion, 5 boxes of Refreshing and Clarifying Toner, 109 boxes of Soft Sheen Carson Laboratories, 29 boxes of Fun Balt and 2 boxes of Beckon 10.8Kg  that had no expiry date, contrary to US EAS 346: 2013, Labelling of cosmetics — General requirements.

The management of Vargin Beauty (U) Limited was asked to recall all suspected cosmetics and the company representatives were handed over to UNBS CID Unit for further investigations into the matter.

Clause 20 of the UNBS Act prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution or holding for the purpose of selling any product that does not meet compulsory Uganda standards.

UNBS continues to perform its mandate of enforcing standards to protect the health and safety of consumers and the environment against dangerous and sub-standard products.