The government has recalled South African-produced Purity Essentials Baby Powder products after traces of cancer-causing asbestos were detected.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Air Commodore Jasper Chimedza said the products contain unacceptable levels of asbestos which causes rare cancer called mesothelioma.
The traces were recently detected in test samples prompting the recall of the product.
“Given that a significant number of products in our supermarkets are sourced from South Africa, there is a possibility that some batches of the baby powder in question are already in Zimbabwe. These products should be removed from the shelves or intercepted at points of entry. Let’s inform the public of this harmful product to stop further distribution of the product within the country due to its negative health effects,” he said.
Products forming part of the recall include the 100g, 200g, and 400g pack sizes of Purity Essentials Baby Powder.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs known as the mesothelium. It’s usually linked to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. Mesothelioma treatments are available, but for many people with mesothelioma, a cure isn’t possible.
