TBS warns against banned cosmetics
MBEYA: A BUREAU of Standards (TBS) has cautioned the public against using prohibited cosmetic products, warning that their harmful effects could undermine the country’s health and workforce capacity.
The statement was made by a Senior Quality Control Officer at TBS, Mr Peter Namaumbo, at the just ended Nane Nane Exhibition in Mbeya Region at the weekend.
“We remind citizens, especially our sisters, mothers and children, not to use banned cosmetics, as these products contain toxic chemicals that have severe health effects, including skin cancer, reproductive issues, hormonal disruptions and in some cases, death or reduced productivity leading to a loss of the nation’s workforce,” he said.
Mr Namaumbo added that the exhibition provided a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, especially since many banned cosmetic products enter the country through unofficial routes from neighboring countries bordering the Southern Highlands Zone.
He emphasised that the goal of this education is to help the public understand the dangers of these products and ultimately stop using them. If demand declines, the market for such harmful products will disappear.
TBS continues to urge the public to purchase only products that meet established standards to avoid the health risks associated with substandard goods.
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Furthermore, Mr Namaumbo stated that TBS provided education to entrepreneurs participating in the exhibition by visiting their stalls and explaining the procedures for obtaining the quality mark to those who were not previously aware.
TBS also took the opportunity to engage with the entrepreneurs to understand the challenges they face in certifying the quality of their products. He added that the government, through TBS, offers free product quality certification services to small and medium-sized entrepreneurs.
To access this service, entrepreneurs must first visit the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO), where they will be issued a letter identifying them as qualifying beneficiaries. With this letter, they are eligible to receive TBS services at no cost for a period of three years.
“We urge entrepreneurs to certify the quality of their products to expand their market reach both locally and internationally. Since certification services are offered free of charge by TBS, entrepreneurs only need to begin the process at SIDO to obtain an introduction letter,” he emphasised.
