Skin whitening creams with mercury were sold in Malmöbutik

Environmental management inspectors in Malmö have found six creams with mercury in - in one and the same store in Malmö.

The creams were sold as skin whitening products. But they all contained mercury, which can cause serious damage to the kidneys and the nervous system, among other things.

The substance is also prohibited in cosmetic products and must not be sold in Sweden or the EU.

- This is one of the most serious we have seen, so far it has been unusual with mercury in skin creams in Sweden. says Josefin Liljeteg, the Swedish Medicines Agency in a press release.

Some of the products found by the inspectors in Malmö contain very high levels of mercury, although mercury is not included in the list of contents.

Instead, it was stated that the creams contained natural products such as aloe vera and beeswax, according to Jeanette Silow of the City of Malmö.

- The store has been banned from selling these products and it is linked to a penalty fee if they violate the ban. We will also report the shop to the prosecution, says Jeanette Silow, Head of Department at the Environment and Health Protection Department in Malmö.

The store must also destroy all creams.

- We want to warn consumers about these products, and strongly advise against using them, says Josefin Liljeteg.

It is uncommon for inspectors to find mercury-containing products. The creams enter the country via postal items, private individuals or importers of cosmetic products from third countries.

- You can never know for sure, but it is not impossible that these products are found in more places in Sweden than in Malmö, certainly in several major cities, says Josefin Liljeteg.