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ZIMBABWE: Baby powders containing asbestos ordered to be removed from shelves

Purity Essentials Baby Powder was recalled after samples tested showed traces of unacceptable levels of asbestos which caused rare cancer called mesothelioma.

Harare, Zimbabwe | Xinhua | Zimbabwean health authorities have ordered the removal of certain baby powders from retail shops following their recalling by their South African distributor after it was discovered that they contained high levels of asbestos.

A letter date-stamped on Oct. 10 from the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health and Child Care Jasper Chimedza to health personnel throughout the country said Tiger Brands was recalling Purity Essentials Baby Powder, Purity & Elizabeth Anne’s Essentials Baby Powder and Purity & Elizabeth Anne’s Fresh Baby Powder from the shops.

“The products contain unacceptable levels of asbestos which causes rare cancer called mesothelioma. The traces were recently detected in test samples prompting the recall of the product,” he said.

He said given that a significant number of products in Zimbabwean supermarkets were sourced from South Africa, there was a possibility that some batches of the baby products were already in the country.

“These goods should be removed from the shelves or intercepted at points of entry. Let’s inform the public of this harmful product to stop further distribution of the product within the country due to its negative health effects,” Chimedza said.

Apart from the normal distribution channels, many Zimbabwean cross-border traders import products that are sold in the informal sector.

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