FOI request (FOIR-676645873)

Skin Whitening Seizures

Requested Wed 08 January 2025
Responded Mon 13 January 2025

I am interested in data on skin lightening/whitening/bleaching products that have been seized by the council's trading standards team in the calendar years between 2014 and the end of 2024.

1. The number of complaints and reports received about skin lightening/whitening/bleaching products for each year from 2014 to 31st December 2024.

2. The number of seizures of skin lightening/whitening/bleaching products conducted by the council for each year from 2014 to 31st December 2024.

3. For each seizure, if possible:

a. The reason for the seizure (for example, whether the products were illegal, harmful, misleading or something else).

b. The number and street value (£) of products seized.

c. Whether a fine was issued or if prosecution occurred.

d. The ingredients of the products seized (for example, hydroquinone, mercury, bleach, glutathione).

e. The brand name(s) of the products seized.

f. The form of the products seized (for example, topical, intravenous, or another form).

Response

Hastings Borough Council holds no information in respect of this request.

This area is dealt with by East Sussex County Council Trading Standards, please visit their website for further information:

https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk