Chromium, nickel and even arsenic have been found in cosmetic kits made in China, distributed in Italy by a U.S. multinational.

The Italian Ministry for Health - according to the national newspaper Corriere della Sera - ordered that a number of cosmetic products (particularly for little girls) must be withdrawn from the market throughout the country, as they were found presenting prohibited and, in some cases, potentially harmful substances.

The concerned products, which include blusher, eye-shadow, face powders and lipsticks especially for little girls, are made by a U.S. multinational and manufactered in China. Italian investigators focused on the role of the company's German branch, located in Wiesbaden. One of its leaders is suspected, along with another dozen of Italian managers of the distribution companies.

The investigations mainly concern goods made in Shenzhen, in the Chinese province of Guangdong. Early analyses on samples revealed the presence of heavy metals like chromium and nickel in products for free sale in perfume shops and supermarkets throughout Italy at very reasonable prices. Lead and arsenic would be also detected in the examined kits. Other tests revealed also traces of microbiological contamination.

The aim is to avert the risk that cosmetics may cause skin irritation or dermatitis in those who use them. Representatives of Wiesbaden branch seem to have delivered to the Ministry the results of their analysis on products, which appear to be different from those that emerged from investigations. The withdrawing, however, has been ordered anyway.