After food, FSDAD cracks down on cosmetics in Bengaluru

Bengaluru's food safety regulator is widening its net. After months of intense scrutiny on restaurants and food joints, the Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department (FSDAD) has now turned its attention to cosmetics. The move signals a significant escalation in consumer protection efforts in the city.

Officials have begun inspecting cosmetics sold across retail outlets, salons, and pharmacies. The focus is on identifying products that are substandard, misbranded, or sold without proper approvals. The crackdown follows a series of complaints about spurious and expired cosmetic items reaching consumers.

Why the shift to cosmetics?

The FSDAD's mandate has always included drugs and cosmetics, but enforcement in the past has been largely food-centric. With food-related inspections yielding results, the department is now reallocating resources. Sources say the decision stems from a growing number of consumer grievances related to skin reactions and allergic responses.

Experts point out that the cosmetics market in Bengaluru has expanded rapidly, with new brands and imported products flooding the shelves. Many of these, officials suspect, may not comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The department is now verifying product licenses, manufacturing dates, and ingredient disclosures.

What the inspections involve

The enforcement teams are collecting samples from various points of sale. These samples will be sent to government laboratories for quality testing. The parameters include checking for prohibited substances, heavy metals, and microbial contamination.

Officials have also started auditing supply chains, from importers to distributors. Retailers who fail to maintain proper invoices or who stock unapproved items may face penalties. Repeat offenders could see their licences suspended or cancelled.

The department has not yet released specific numbers on how many products have been seized or how many notices have been issued. However, sources indicate that preliminary drives have already flagged several popular brands for non-compliance.

Reactions from the industry

Traders' associations have expressed cautious support for the crackdown, but they also want clarity. Many small retailers say they are often unaware of the regulatory requirements for cosmetics. They are seeking awareness sessions and simpler compliance procedures.

On the other hand, consumer rights groups have welcomed the move. They argue that cosmetics are often overlooked despite being used daily. "People assume that if it's on a shelf, it's safe. That's not always true," said a city-based activist.

The FSDAD has urged consumers to report any adverse reactions or suspicious products. They have also advised buyers to look for the BIS mark and the manufacturer's details before making a purchase.

What happens next

The department plans to expand the drive to smaller towns around Bengaluru in the coming weeks. Officials are also expected to release a list of approved and banned cosmetic products for public reference.

For now, the message is clear: the regulator's gaze is no longer just on your plate. It is also on your vanity bag.