Birmingham trader sells make-up that 'could kill'

[Ibtisam]

A BIRMINGHAM shopkeeper has pleading guilty to selling dangerous cosmetics which can poison the blood and kill.

 

Tahir Mahmood, who runs the Islamic general store Amsons, in Coventry Road, Small Heath, was charged with 47 offences related to selling the potentially lethal make-up.

 

Birmingham magistrates’ court heard the products were either incorrectly labelled or contained banned ingredients, such as lead, hydropuinone and barium salts.

 

The maximum punishment for such an offence is six months imprisonment.

 

The cosmetics were on sale at the general store, run by the 42-year-old, which also sells Islamic clothes, accessories and literature.

 

The products were seized by Trading Standards Officers and tested in laboratories following complaints from customers, the court heard.

 

One woman reported that her eye swelled up after using one of the Hashmi eyeliners imported from Pakistan.

 

Julia Kettle, prosecuting, said that lead found in the products could have a “significant effect” on people’s health, particularly children.

 

“It has been linked to neurological and breathing problems and can delay speech in youngsters,” she said.

 

Head of Trading Standards at Birmingham City Council Chris Neville said: “They poison your blood, really. If you’re exposed to them enough, they can kill you.”

 

He said the products were often found in shops selling to Asian customers, as they imported from countries that don’t have the same regulations as us. Mr Neville added that they had informed Mr Mahmood to stop selling them after the first raid, but he had carried on regardless. Edward Henry, defending, said Mr Mahmood was “profoundly contrite” for selling the products, which have damaged the reputation of his 11-year-old business.

 

“His business is now in debt to £150,000,” he said. “His stock which he bought was regrettably found to be contaminated and has quite rightly been compounded. These cosmetics have been in existence for years and some people desired them.”

 

The case was adjourned until May 28 for pre-sentencing reports to be compiled

 

Source:

http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2010/05/11/birmingham-trader-sells-make-up-that-c ould-kill-97319-26419187/?sms_ss=facebook

[Allamagan]

I always hated buying stuff say drinks and food from these kinda shops. Incorrectly labelling, selling expired products and banned ingredients are most likely what they do sell in there.