DHAKA: Authorities in Bangladesh said Sunday they had sealed off a cosmetics factory in Dhaka for using harmful chemicals including mercury in skin-lightening creams.
A mobile court that disperses instant sentences sentenced the owner of the Botanic Aroma company to two years in prison and ordered the seizure of all of its products.
“They were putting the health of many young people under threat by luring them with claims about the magical skin-lightening power of their products,” magistrate Anwar Pasha told AFP.
He said the raid on the factory followed extensive laboratory tests on four types of creams that the company produced.
In Bangladesh, neighboring India and many other Asian countries, there is a strong cultural preference for fairer skin.
Bangladesh banned the use of mercury in skin care products in 2006.
According to the World Health Organization, the main adverse effect of the inorganic mercury contained in skin-lightening soaps and creams is kidney damage. It may also cause skin rashes, skin discoloration and scarring.
Skin-lightening cream factory busted in Bangladesh
Skin-lightening cream factory busted in Bangladesh
Where We Are Going Today: Wild Flower
- The menu offers a modern fusion concept: from Italian dishes to Middle Eastern cuisine with a local twist, there is something for everyone
If you are ever in AlUla and looking for a dining experience in the heart of the oasis, overlooking its lush farmlands and surrounded by palm trees, I highly recommend checking out Wild Flower in Daimumah.
What is really unique about Wild Flower is its farm-to-table concept: as you discover the different vegetables and herbs grown in Daimumah, such as eggplant, coriander, tomatoes, spring onions, arugula, and chili peppers, you get the burst of flavor from the fresh produce straight to your plate.
The menu offers a modern fusion concept: from Italian dishes to Middle Eastern cuisine with a local twist, there is something for everyone.
We started off the meal with some cold mezze. The avocado hummus and beetroot hummus, served with beetroot chips, were light and refreshing as we took a break from the harsh sun under the restaurant’s shaded seating area.
We really enjoyed the watermelon salad that had an interesting mix between tangy and sweet, but the crunchy parmesan truffle fries are a must.
For mains, we opted for the vegetarian biryani, which was not anything to write home about, but the lemon garlic pasta dish, served with grilled chicken, was definitely one we would go back for.
We also really enjoyed their Moroccan-style roasted chicken, which was super juicy and spiced to perfection.
The service, although a bit slow, was OK. The staff did their best to accommodate our needs. When I ordered an iced ginger lemonade and was served hot ginger tea instead, they were happy to change the order. The spot is moderately priced and perfect for sharing if you are going with a large group.
It is also a great spot to visit solo. While there is a small entry fee for Daimumah, you can explore the farms, pick vegetables to take home, feed the goats, join an art workshop at The Nest, see art installations, and learn about AlUla’s landscape, flora and fauna — and then finish the visit with a good meal.
