Owners of a cosmetic store have been ordered to pay £15,000 for selling a banned product.

Sharafat Hussain, and Banaras Hussain of Shaba Hair and Cosmetics, in South Mall, Edmonton Green, sold an illegal skin lightening cream that contained hydroquinone.

The banned product can cause disfigurements resulting in blue-black pigments being deposited on the skin.

Caught by Enfield Borough Council, Sharafat Hussain was ordered to pay a total of £5,500, with Banaras Hussain paying just over £9,000, after the pair admitted to eleven charges of not complying with the Cosmetic Products Safety Regulations.

Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment and community safety, Councillor Chris Bond, said: “We will not tolerate businesses that put profits before the safety of our residents and Enfield Council will take quick and effective action against anyone who endangers the public by selling what are, frankly dangerous products.
 
“This sentence sends out a very strong message, and I sincerely hope it deters others from selling these products.”