Delhi govt raids 2 unlicensed cosmetic factories, products and machinery seized

The Delhi government's Drug Control Department has raided two illegal cosmetic manufacturing units in the Puth Khurd area of outer West Delhi, seizing large quantities of products, machinery, raw materials and packaging material.The two units were operating without valid manufacturing licences and were engaged in the production and packaging of skincare and personal care products.The raids were conducted on the directions of Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh following specific intelligence inputs about illegal cosmetic manufacturing activities in the area. During the operation, officials also collected legal samples of the products, which will be sent to a government analyst for quality and safety testing.SIMULTANEOUS RAIDS CONDUCTED BY TWO TEAMSAccording to the department, it received specific intelligence about two establishments manufacturing cosmetic products illegally in Puth Khurd. Acting on the information, officials formed two separate teams and carried out inspections and raids at both premises. Drug inspectors examined the manufacturing activities, products and relevant documents at the facilities. The inspection revealed that both establishments were manufacturing and packaging skincare and personal care products without valid licences.The department said the activities violated provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.MACHINERY, RAW MATERIALS, OTHER PRODUCTS SEIZED During the raids, officials collected legal samples of the cosmetic products manufactured at the two facilities. Specimen samples were also taken to verify the genuineness of the products with their respective manufacturers.Apart from the samples, the teams seized the remaining stock of cosmetic products, manufacturing machinery, equipment, raw materials, semi-finished products and packaging material found on the premises.The department is also examining whether the products manufactured at these facilities complied with the prescribed quality and safety standards. The investigation will look into the nature of the manufacturing activities and other possible violations.SAMPLES TO BE TESTED AT GOVERNMENT LABORATORYThe legal samples collected during the raids will be sent to the Government Analyst in Delhi for examination and analysis. The laboratory findings will help determine whether the products meet the prescribed quality and safety standards.The department is continuing its investigation into the operations of both units, including their manufacturing activities and possible violations. Further legal action will be taken under the applicable provisions based on the findings of the investigation and laboratory reports.MINISTER WARNS AGAINST UNLICENSED MANUFACTURINGReacting to the action, Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh said the Delhi government was committed to ensuring that consumers had access to safe and quality products."The Delhi Government is committed to ensuring that every product available to consumers meets the prescribed standards of safety and quality. Manufacturing cosmetic products without a valid licence is a serious violation of the law and cannot be permitted," Singh said, according to PTI.He said the Drugs Control Department had intensified enforcement efforts to protect consumers from unauthorised products and ensure accountability in the sector."Public health and consumer safety are non-negotiable. Strict action will be taken against those manufacturing and selling cosmetic products illegally," the minister said, according to PTI.The minister reiterated that the government would not compromise on public health and consumer safety, and warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in the illegal manufacture and sale of cosmetic products.- Ends