The Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA) issued a warning against 3 Henna Products as it contains high bacteria and fungi levels exceeded the acceptable limits.

The SFDA has explained that it examined samples of henna products from the local markets to ensure its safety.

Examination results revealed that 3 henna products contained high levels of bacteria and fungi, which exceeded the acceptable limits according to the safety requirements of cosmetics and personal care products regulations NO. SFDA.CO/GSO 1943:2016.

Products details are as follow:

• "Hemani Henna Black with Bakhour" with batch number (HB 150/22 & HB 150/48), and expiry date (11/2021 &12/2024).
• "Hemani Henna Red With Saffron" with batch number (HR 150 42 - HR 150 49), and expiry date 02/2024.
• " Hemani Henna Brown With Rose" with batch number (HBN 150 42 - HBN 150 49) ), and expiry date 02/2024.

The Authority indicated that bacteria are present in cosmetic products for several reasons, including failure to follow standards during the product manufacturing and packaging stages, or because the product is stored in inappropriate conditions and environment.

The contamination of cosmetic products with bacteria is not permissible unless it is from the type of harmless bacteria and in a percentage not exceeding the acceptable limit, as exposure to high levels of bacteria can cause serious health risks to the consumer.

It advised consumers not to use the product and dispose any sample they may have, emphasizing the importance of purchasing products from reliable sources.

The SFDA pointed out that it was taking the necessary actions in cooperation with specialized authorities in order to follow up the product recall from the markets, preventing its entry, and taking the regulatory action against non-compliances.