Three importers who sold hair dye containing banned chemicals linked to organ damage and cancer have been prosecuted in a crackdown by Ealing Council.

The harmful hair dyes aimed at Asian customers were discovered by Trading Standards officers as part of an on-going investigation which has already seen three prosecutions this year.

The products contained a range of chemicals that are banned from being used in cosmetics in the UK. These included two forms of para-phenylenediamines (known as PPDs). Research shows that 2-PPD is absorbed through the skin and long-term use has been linked to bladder cancer.

Barium salt, a heavy metal, can build up in the body over time and damage the liver or kidneys was found in products being sold by all three businesses.

TRS Cash & Carry Ltd, Southbridge Way, Southall, pleaded guilty at Ealing Magistrates Court in November, to 13 charges under the Consumer Protection Act for having for sale three brands of these harmful cosmetics. They was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay the council’s costs of £11,608, bringing the total to £23,623.

Two of the brands, Royal and Royal Silk Premium had been supplied to TRS by the importer Azad Business Concern Ltd of Walthamstow. It pleaded guilty to eight charges for the supply of unsafe cosmetics and its director Mr Javid Sadiq pleaded guilty to eight related charges of negligence. Ealing Magistrates ordered them to pay fines and victim surcharges totalling £4,830 and ordered the company to pay the Council’s costs of £6,519.

The importer and distributor Alamgeer Foods Ltd of Darlaston in the West Midlands pleaded guilty to seven charges relating to the supply of their ‘Marhaba’ and ‘Glory’ brand hair dye containing banned barium salts. They were imported from Pakistan and India and sold to retailers in Ealing.

The company’s director Mr Abad Zeb also pleaded guilty to seven charges of negligence.

Alamgeer Foods was fined £9,450 and a £15 victim surcharge. Mr Abad Zeb was fined £3,165. The company and Mr Zeb were also ordered to pay Council’s costs of £9,308.

All stocks of the unsafe hair dyes will be confiscated and destroyed.

Ealing Council leader, Councillor Julian Bell, said: "As a result of our crackdown, six businesses have received substantial fines but most importantly, these harmful products have been prevented from reaching customers. These prosecutions send a strong message to businesses who risk residents’ health."