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Spurious cosmetic products continue to thrive in the market, going by the outcome of a series of raids conducted recently by the Drugs Control Department across the State. The department has registered 15 cases over sales of counterfeit and illegally imported cosmetics following the raids in the last week of July, officials said. The inspections were held as part of the Operation Soundarya which has entered the fourth year.The cases have been reported from different districts including Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. The suspected spurious items seized as part of the operation include face creams, lipstick and shave lotions, sources with the department said. Most of the spurious products detected during the raids were manufactured outside the State, it is learnt.The raids focussed on wholesale dealers in towns. “The cases could be detected by checking the product labels, purchase bills and licences. Wholesale centres were targetted as the products are supplied to retailers to multiple locations, including interiors. Fake and substandard products have been finding their way to the Kerala market in recent years with the demand for cosmetics, especially lipsticks, has been on the rise across income and age groups. Uncontrolled use of such products can cause skin problems and other health risks,” an official said.The department has warned the consumers against falling prey to misleading labels and exaggerated advertising claims. Officials pointed out that counterfeit are sometimes marketed under the names of well-known brands, making it difficult for consumers to identify genuine products.The department has also drawn samples of a set of suspected products during the raids. The samples will be examined at the department’s Drug Testing Laboratories in Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram, Konni and Ernakulam and further action will be taken based on the results.Officials claimed that there has been a decrease in the volume of counterfeit cosmetics entering the market over the years following intense scrutiny and inspections. “Traders have become more aware of the quality of the products and the consequences of selling substandard items. Those caught selling such products are booked under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act,” an official said.Operation Soundarya was launched in 2023 after routine inspections revealed that many cosmetic products available in the market were either fake, improperly manufactured, or brought into the market without following legal procedures. Eighteen cases were registered during the first phase of the raids while 22 cases were recorded in the second phase. Twelve cases were booked in phase 3. Published - August 08, 2026 02:29 pm IST
