Mercury in face cream prompts recall

MEXICO CITY— Mexican health officials are recalling a face cream linked to cases of mercury poisoning in the U.S. and Mexico.

The federal Health Department warns in a statement that the Mexican-produced Aguamary Cream contains elevated mercury levels and said officials have closed a factory in northwestern Sinaloa state.

The department says it also is removing the cream from store shelves and notes that the Aguaruto Cosmetics company sells the product on websites.

A telephone number listed for Aguaruto Cosmetics rang unanswered Saturday.

Texas health officials warned in September of at least 18 cases of mercury poisoning linked to Aguamary, including two infants whose mothers used the product during pregnancy. Health officials say Mexico had one case.