OTTAWA,
ON, March 28, 2024 /CNW/ -
Summary
Product: Henna cones
Issue: Chemical hazard / Product safety
What to do: Stop using and selling them immediately
and dispose of them in regular household garbage
Who this is for: General public / Industry; Retail,
Importers
Issue
Health Canada is warning people
in Canada about the risks of
certain henna cone products as they may contain phenol, which may
not be listed on the product label. Phenol is a prohibited
ingredient on Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. Products
that contain phenol can be dangerous if they come in contact with
the skin, as phenol can cause chemical burns, resulting in redness,
blistering and burning or stinging pain.
Health Canada has received
three incident reports related to henna cones. Two of these reports
were related to skin irritations from the use of henna cones and
one report indicated that a previously recalled henna cone was
still available for sale. These reports led to the sampling and
testing of multiple henna cone products by Health Canada, which
confirmed the presence of phenol. As a result, Health Canada posted
a new recall on March 22, 2024 for
three henna cone products for which testing confirmed the presence
of phenol.
The Department also posted recalls for henna cones previously on
April 11, 2017, May 25, 2017 and May
2, 2018 for the Shakeel Bhai Mehndi Waley Special
Bridal Cone. These recalls identify manufactures and importers;
however, there may be other importers and sellers of these products
across Canada.
Health Canada suspects that
some other henna cone products sold in Canada may also contain phenol, and is
therefore advising consumers to report any adverse reaction to
these products, so that appropriate enforcement action can be
taken.
What you should do
- Consumers should immediately stop using the henna cone products
that have been recalled, as well as any henna cone products that
cause irritation to the skin (i.e. burning sensation, redness, or
blisters). Dispose of them in regular household garbage.
- To check for any possible skin irritation to a henna cone
product, consumers can apply a small amount of the product to their
forearm as a patch test.
- If skin irritation does occur, with a recalled product or from
use of another henna cone product, wash the affected area
thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention if
symptoms persist or worsen.
- Consumers are encouraged to report any health or safety
incidents related to the use of these products by filling out
Health Canada's Consumer Product Incident Report Form.
- In Canada, it is prohibited to
sell cosmetics that contain any substance that may cause harm to
users when used according to the directions on the label and under
normal use. A list of these substances is described under the
Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist.
- Sellers of the products should immediately stop selling the
products if they do not meet the Canadian cosmetic requirements and
dispose of them.
Related recalls
- Recall: Shakeel Bhai Mehndi Waley Henna Cones recalled due to
chemical hazard
- Recall: TAHA International Inc. recalls Shakeel Bhai Mehandi Waley - Bridal Special
Henna Cone
- Expanded Recall: TAHA International Inc., Nutrifresh West Ltd.
and PAK National Foods Ltd. recalls Shakeel
Bhai Mehndi Waley – Bridal Special Henna Cone
- Expanded Recall: Shakeel Bhai Mehndi Waley-Bridal Special Henna
Cone
Additional information
- Cosmetic Safety
- Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
- Consumer Product Incident Report Form
What is being done
Health Canada is committed to
helping protect people in Canada
from potentially dangerous consumer and cosmetic products. The
Department has investigated henna cone products, as well as related
products and has conducted testing. When product testing led
to the confirmation of the presence of phenol, Health Canada took
action to have these products recalled.
Health Canada regularly
monitors consumer products and cosmetics on the Canadian market and
will continue to investigate reports related to henna cone products
to help keep consumers safe. The Department will take enforcement
actions at any time if there is reason to believe a cosmetic is
made with hazardous substances, or under unsanitary conditions.
Également disponible en français
SOURCE Health Canada (HC)