Misbranded and spurious cosmetics MCQs With Answer

This blog presents a focused set of multiple-choice questions on “Misbranded and Spurious Cosmetics” tailored for M.Pharm students taking Cosmetics & Cosmeceuticals (MPH 204T). The questions emphasize regulatory definitions, labeling requirements, common examples of spurious or adulterated cosmetics, sampling and testing approaches, and enforcement actions under the Drugs & Cosmetics framework. Each MCQ tests applied knowledge—distinguishing misbranding from adulteration, recognizing illegal ingredients and claims, and understanding the roles of central and state authorities. Use these questions for revision, self-assessment, or classroom discussion to deepen your regulatory and quality-control understanding of cosmetics.

Q1. What best defines a “misbranded” cosmetic under regulatory interpretation?

• Any cosmetic that causes allergic reactions in consumers
• A cosmetic whose label, packaging, or accompanying information is false, misleading, or fails to meet mandatory labeling requirements
• A cosmetic that is manufactured outside the country
• A cosmetic that is priced higher than similar products

Correct Answer: A cosmetic whose label, packaging, or accompanying information is false, misleading, or fails to meet mandatory labeling requirements

Q2. Which description most accurately characterizes a “spurious” cosmetic?

• A cosmetic that uses natural ingredients only
• A cosmetic falsely claiming a legitimate brand or manufactured identity, or one that is an imitation sold under another’s name
• A cosmetic manufactured in a licensed facility
• A cosmetic with a short shelf-life

Correct Answer: A cosmetic falsely claiming a legitimate brand or manufactured identity, or one that is an imitation sold under another’s name

Q3. Which authority is primarily responsible for central regulation and standards for cosmetics in India?

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
• Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
• Ministry of Textiles
• National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)

Correct Answer: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)

Q4. Under which legislation are cosmetics regulated in India?

• The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
• The Consumer Protection Act, 1986
• The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945
• The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986

Correct Answer: The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945

Q5. Which labeling practice is required for ingredient declaration on cosmetic products?

• Listing ingredients using International Nomenclature (INCI) or accepted common names in descending order of concentration
• Listing only active ingredients and omitting excipients
• No requirement to list ingredients on cosmetics
• Listing ingredients in alphabetical order regardless of concentration

Correct Answer: Listing ingredients using International Nomenclature (INCI) or accepted common names in descending order of concentration

Q6. How are “cosmeceuticals” treated under regulatory frameworks?

• They are automatically classified as drugs irrespective of claims
• They have a formal and universally accepted legal category called “cosmeceutical”
• They have no separate legal status; classification depends on the claims—cosmetic or medicinal—made for the product
• They are regulated by the Ministry of Commerce

Correct Answer: They have no separate legal status; classification depends on the claims—cosmetic or medicinal—made for the product

Q7. Which ingredient is widely recognized as prohibited or highly restricted in cosmetics due to toxicity concerns?

• Parabens
• Water (Aqua)
• Mercury and its compounds
• Glycerin

Correct Answer: Mercury and its compounds

Q8. Which of the following is a typical ground for declaring a cosmetic “misbranded” during regulatory inspection?

• The product is in liquid form
• The label lacks the manufacturer’s name, batch number, or date of manufacture/expiry
• The product is selling well in the market
• The product uses recyclable packaging

Correct Answer: The label lacks the manufacturer’s name, batch number, or date of manufacture/expiry

Q9. Which example would most likely classify a product as a “spurious” cosmetic?

• A herbal lotion with no claims on the pack
• A cream labeled as “Brand X – Original” but manufactured and packaged by an unrelated unlicensed facility
• A genuine product sold at a discount by an authorized retailer
• A product with an extended shelf-life

Correct Answer: A cream labeled as “Brand X – Original” but manufactured and packaged by an unrelated unlicensed facility

Q10. What is the primary difference between “adulteration” and “misbranding” of cosmetics?

• Adulteration refers to labeling issues; misbranding refers to color problems
• Adulteration concerns the composition or contamination of the product; misbranding concerns false or noncompliant labeling and presentation
• They are synonymous and interchangeable terms
• Adulteration only applies to food, not cosmetics

Correct Answer: Adulteration concerns the composition or contamination of the product; misbranding concerns false or noncompliant labeling and presentation

Q11. Which enforcement action is commonly used to remove a misbranded or spurious cosmetic from the market?

• Issuing a marketing award
• Product recall and seizure by regulatory authorities
• Providing a temporary import license
• Increasing the product price

Correct Answer: Product recall and seizure by regulatory authorities

Q12. Which of the following information is mandatory on the label of a cosmetic product?

• Manufacturer’s horoscope
• Manufacturing date and expiry date (or period of minimum durability)
• Number of retailers in the city
• Customer testimonials

Correct Answer: Manufacturing date and expiry date (or period of minimum durability)

Q13. Which document provides consolidated safety information for a cosmetic to support regulatory compliance and risk assessment?

• Cosmetic Safety Assessment or Safety Dossier including toxicological data
• Company annual turnover report
• Retail packaging mock-up only
• Social media promotional content

Correct Answer: Cosmetic Safety Assessment or Safety Dossier including toxicological data

Q14. What microbiological test is commonly applied to cosmetics to assess contamination risk?

• Viral plaque assay only
• Total viable aerobic microbial count and tests for specified pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Fungal allergen skin prick test
• Antibiogram for consumer use

Correct Answer: Total viable aerobic microbial count and tests for specified pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Q15. Which type of product claim would typically convert a cosmetic into a drug from a regulatory standpoint?

• Claims of moisturizing or beautifying
• Claims to prevent, treat, or cure a disease or to modify physiological functions (e.g., “treats eczema”)
• Claims about fragrance notes
• Claims about recyclable packaging

Correct Answer: Claims to prevent, treat, or cure a disease or to modify physiological functions (e.g., “treats eczema”)

Q16. At the state level, which body typically handles licensing and inspection of cosmetic manufacturing premises?

• State Pollution Control Board
• State Drug Control Administration / State Licensing Authority
• Municipal Transport Department
• State Tourism Board

Correct Answer: State Drug Control Administration / State Licensing Authority

Q17. Which of the following is a commonly used preservative in cosmetics (though subject to concentration limits and regulatory scrutiny)?

• Parabens (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben)
• Sucrose
• Distilled water only
• Vitamin C in pure form without stabilizers

Correct Answer: Parabens (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben)

Q18. Why is a batch (or lot) number important on a cosmetic product label?

• To indicate the suggested retail price
• To ensure traceability for quality control, complaints handling, and potential recalls
• To display the number of ingredients
• To show the product’s color code

Correct Answer: To ensure traceability for quality control, complaints handling, and potential recalls

Q19. The discovery of which of the following prescription-strength substances in an over-the-counter fairness cream would typically indicate illegal adulteration and make the product spurious or hazardous?

• Clobetasol propionate (a potent topical corticosteroid)
• Coconut oil
• Vitamin E (tocopherol)
• Glycerin

Correct Answer: Clobetasol propionate (a potent topical corticosteroid)

Q20. How must an authorized officer draw and handle samples of cosmetics for regulatory analysis?

• Samples can be collected casually and shared on social media
• Samples must be drawn according to prescribed procedures, sealed and signed by the officer, and sent to designated laboratories for analysis
• Sampling is optional and never documented
• Samples should be disposed of immediately after collection

Correct Answer: Samples must be drawn according to prescribed procedures, sealed and signed by the officer, and sent to designated laboratories for analysis

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