India warns consumers about two Pakistan-made whitening creams linked to heavy metals. (AI-generated image) According to the regulator, these two cosmetic items lack registration certificates from the appropriate authority, which is mandatory under Indian law for products imported for sale. The Cosmetics Rules, 2020, enforced alongside the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, stipulate that imported cosmetics and their manufacturing facilities must obtain registration before entering the Indian market. The Bureau of Indian Standards publishes standards relevant to cosmetic safety. The central alert did not specify which heavy metals were detected or provide their exact concentrations. Consumers are advised against purchasing Goree Beauty Cream or Chandni Whitening Cream and to avoid using them if they already own these products. The warning also extends to similarly named cosmetics that might lack proper authorization. Authorities have instructed sellers, distributors, and advertisers not to promote or market these items. Enforcement units have been directed to prevent the sale of unauthorized cosmetics within their jurisdictions. Consumers discovering labeling violations are encouraged to report imported products to the Drugs Controller General of India. Consumers advised to scrutinize cosmetic labels This public warning emphasizes the importance of selecting authorized cosmetic products with clear regulatory and product information on their labels. Essential details should include manufacturer identification, a manufacturing license number, batch numbers, and manufacturing and expiry dates. Imported cosmetics must also display their registration number. These labeling requirements help consumers and authorities verify whether a product is authorized for sale in India. The guidance underscores the importance of proper registration, accurate labeling, and compliance

The World Health Organization reports a decline in Ebola transmission in some of the most severely affected regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This progress is especially evident in parts of Ituri province, which remains the primary epicenter of the outbreak. Despite these signs of improvement, the epidemic continues to expand in other areas. According to official data up to Sept. 13, there have been 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths across seven provinces, with a national case fatality ratio of 48.4%.DR Congo’s Ebola response continues as health teams track changing transmission patterns.