The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), has cautioned the public against the use of hydroquinone cosmetic products for skin bleaching.

Speaking on the sidelines of a sensitisation forum on skin cosmetics at the Wa Central market, the Upper West Regional Head of the FDA, Albert Ankomah said hydroquinone is not registered under any cosmetic product and warned the public not to patronize such products.

Mr. Ankomah said the products contain a substance that has harmful effects on the human skin.

The forum was to sensitise on the harmful effects of skin bleaching and also inform the public about some products that are not approved by the FDA but are smuggled into the country.

These products include; idrochinone, quinol, dihydrobenzene, phiaquine. The rest are tequinol, derma-blanch, eldoquin forte among others.

Mr Ankomah said plans are far advanced to extend the campaign to other districts across the Upper West region.

The team will embark on shop inspection to ensure that all fake products are taken off the shelves.

He further explained the need for the public to desist from skin bleaching.

Mr. Ankomah observed that some women bleach their children without knowing the negative effects on them and cautioned them against the practice.

He indicated that companies producing cosmetics containing hydroquinone have been requested to reformulate and submit samples for evaluation, variation and subsequent approval.

He said FDA will engage relevant stakeholders through post-market surveillance to monitor products on the market with labels that relate to skin toning.