Are cosmetics we use real or fake? Perfume with 95 percent methyl alcohol content; serious illness to happen if not careful when purchasing 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Adulterated cosmetics were found in an inspection conducted in Ernakulam as part of Operation Soundarya. The Drugs Control Department said that adulterated perfume was seized from a wholesale cosmetics trader operating in Marine Drive, Ernakulam.

The methyl alcohol content in this product is recorded to be around 95 percent. Since it contains methyl alcohol, there is a possibility of serious health problems if used. In this situation, Health Minister Veena George has directed to intensify inspections.

Excessive quantities of methyl alcohol were found in a perfume launched under the name 'Karisma Perfume' by a company based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Methyl alcohol is a substance that comes under Schedule I of the Kerala Poison Rules. Cosmetics containing such substances that are harmful to health are defined as adulteration under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Although it is manufactured as a perfume, it is used as an aftershave. Therefore, it quickly enters the body through the soft facial skin and wounds, causing serious health problems. Further action will be taken after investigating the details of the license of this cosmetic product, which is based in Ahmedabad. Manufacturing and distributing adulterated cosmetics is an offence punishable by imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of not less than Rs. 50,000.

Drug inspectors Nishit MC, Tessy Thomas, Naveen KR and Nisha Vincent participated in the inspection under the coordination of Ernakulam Assistant Drugs Controller Santosh K Mathew.