Officials uncover an ugly truth in Abu Dhabi beauty salon inspections

ABU DHABI // The municipality has confiscated 140 kilograms of banned cosmetics in a clampdown that began just before Eid.

The confiscations followed repeated inspections, fines and warnings as the civic body worked to ensure businesses complied with health standards.

Twenty-one salons of 227 shops visited were warned.

Salons do brisk trade before Eid, with many women visiting for henna, facials, hair-colouring and manicures and pedicures.

But the municipality was concerned that some shops exploited the extra demand and used uncertified products that could harm customers.

Many of the seized cosmetics had no product labels. Others were from China and Thailand.

"Municipal inspection teams covered the entirety of Abu Dhabi city under the campaign that principally aimed at educating operators and staff of beauty salons on health practices that ought to be observed in their outlets," said Khalifa Al Rumaithi, director of public health at the municipality.

The municipality made it clear that it would not hesitate to act against any business that breached health standards or harmed the health and safety of the community.

Penalties imposed on salons caught using harmful materials could include fines, suspension of the trade licence or closure, Mr Al Rumaithi said.

anwar@thenational.ae