Lead Contamination Prompts Recall of Mumtaz and Al-Asmad Kohl Products 2026

Traditional kohl products sold by an Ontario importer have been pulled from shelves after testing found lead levels exceeding Health Canada’s safety limits for cosmetics. The recall covers two specific eye cosmetics distributed by Sara Islamic Store of Mississauga, Ontario, and consumers who purchased either product are being urged to stop using them right away.

Health Canada announced the recall on September 4, 2026, after the affected kohl was found to contain lead above the impurity limits set out in the agency’s Guidance on Heavy Metal Impurities in Cosmetics. Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for children, and the health agency says the metal can accumulate in the body over time, meaning even small repeated exposures can eventually add up to a significant burden.

Products Affected by This Recall

The recall applies to two traditional kohl products marketed for use around the eyes:

• Mumtaz – Herbal Kajal With Almond Oil for Sensitive Eyes
• Al-Asmad Alharmain Zam Zam and Rose Water

Both products were imported from India and the United Arab Emirates and sold through Sara Islamic Store. According to the company, 576 units of each product were sold in Canada between January 2026 and August 2026.

Why Was This Recall Issued?

Testing determined that both kohl products contained lead levels exceeding the limits allowed under Health Canada’s cosmetic safety guidance. Lead is a toxic heavy metal, and exposure has been linked to a wide range of serious health effects, including anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe brain injury. More extreme outcomes can include convulsions, coma, and damage to the liver, kidneys, heart, and immune system. In the most serious cases, lead poisoning has been fatal.

Because lead builds up in the body rather than being fully eliminated, Health Canada notes that ongoing exposure to even very small amounts through repeated use of a contaminated product can result in a substantial accumulation over time. As of August 28, 2026, the company reported no incidents or injuries linked to the products in Canada.

Where Were These Products Sold?

The kohl products were distributed through Sara Islamic Store in Mississauga, Ontario, over an eight-month sales window from January to August 2026. Because kohl and kajal products are traditionally used as eyeliner and are sometimes applied to infants and young children in certain cultural practices, Health Canada is highlighting the particular risk to children in its advisory.

What Should You Do?

Anyone who purchased either product should stop using it immediately. Consumers can return the item directly to Sara Islamic Store for a refund.

For questions or to arrange a return, the store can be reached by phone at (437) 246-8899 during business hours of 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, seven days a week, or by email. Service is available in both English and French. Health Canada also encourages anyone who experiences a health or safety issue connected to this or any other consumer product to file a report through the agency’s Consumer Product Incident Report Form.

Official Statement

Health Canada notes that beyond the requirements of the Cosmetic Regulations, the Food and Drugs Act prohibits the sale of cosmetics made with hazardous substances or produced under unsanitary conditions in Canada. The recall has also been posted to the OECD Global Portal on Product Recalls for international visibility.

The recall carries the identification number RA-82595 and was published by Health Canada on September 4, 2026. Consumers can find additional updates by subscribing to Health Canada’s recall notification service.