JAKARTA, Nov 26, 2008 (AFP) - Indonesia's food and drug watchdog has recalled 27 cosmetics tainted with high levels of mercury and other dangerous substances, a report said Wednesday november 26th.

"We have recalled eight local products, eight products from unspecified origins and 11 products imported from China and Japan," agency head Husniah Rubiana Thamrin Akib was quoted as saying by news website Detikcom.

The agency is calling on Indonesians to report where the cosmetics, including moisturisers and blushers, are being sold in order to help with the recall effort, Akib said.

Mercury and its compounds are highly toxic to humans. Long term exposure to the chemical -- which can be absorbed through the skin -- can cause serious health problems and high doses can be fatal.