Textile Production : Gov’t Prohibits Use Of Toxic Chemicals

Some five chemicals used in textile production in the country have been prohibited by the government. The decision was made public recently by the Minister of Mines, Industries and Technological Development, Gabriel Dodo Ndoke. The order equally applies to textile products imported into the country. The textile products concerned are loincloths and household linens.
The forbidden chemicals – azo dyes (used in colouring), formaldehyde (used in making many household products), alkyl phenol (widely used as industrial surfactants), phthalates (mainly used as plasticizers), and heavy metals (lead) – have huge negative impact on consumers’ health as well as the environment, the Minister noted.
The Minister has called for the strict respect of the prohibition which specifically concerns textile production and processing companies, importers and retailers. Officials in charge of fraud and repression, as well as quality control have been charged to see into it that the order is strictly respected. “Any offender of this regulation will face sanctions provided for by the law in force,” Minister Ndoke warned economic operators who shall distribute non-compliant products anywhere in the country.
Contacted by Cameroon Tribune to comment of the development, the country’s largest cotton producer – CICAM – said it has bee...