The use of expired soap, shampoo and cosmetics can have serious health consequences, a senior official has warned.
This was highlighted by Dr Mohamed Saif al-Kuwari, assistant undersecretary for laboratories and standardisation affairs at the Ministry of Environment, in an interview published by local Arabic daily Arrayah.
He said the use of such products can lead to exposure to carcinogens because the chemicals used in their manufacture can have harmful effects after the expiry date. These can enter the bloodstream and cause  severe diseases.
Dr al-Kuwari also warned against the use of non-branded cosmetics, soaps and detergents, which come from unknown sources and circulate through street vendors, as they could contain a considerable amount of bacteria and germs.
He stressed that cosmetics, detergents and soaps that arrive in the country through authorised entry points are completely safe as they are allowed entry based on a certificate that confirms compliance with approved standards.
Meanwhile, the Qatar General Authority for Specifications and Standardisation has issued 70 technical regulations and standards for cosmetics and detergents. GCC-specific regulations in this regard would be issued soon.
Dr al-Kuwari pointed out that a Qatar quality mark is currently under approval and an announcement will be made soon to open applications from traders and producers.