DOH –FDA ISSUES ADVISORY ON COSMETICS; SEEKS HELP OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

DOH UPDATE:

DOH –FDA ISSUES ADVISORY ON COSMETICS; SEEKS HELP OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

LEGAZPI CITY, March 24 – The DOH Food and Drug Administration (DOH-FDA) have added six (6) more cosmetic products which, after analysis, were found to contain excessive levels of mercury above the allowable limit of 1 ppm or 1 mg/kg according to a DOH-FDA advisory.

FDA Director Kenneth Hartigan-Go identified the  additional six (6)  banned products as Fruit and Lovely Quick Acting Whitener and Speckle Remover ( beige cream and yellow cream), 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Sun Block Cream-Green Olive and Papaya Natural Essence ( Light Yellow Cream ), Spring Return Ginseng and Pearl Natural Pure Plants Whitening Cream ( light yellow cream ), TVC spot Remover Cream, Natural Orange Whitening and Anti-Aging Package ( Off-white cream and yellow cream) and the Yoko Whitening Cream with SPF 15.

         

THE DOH FDA in Bicol have alerted all Provincial Monitoring Task Force Team (PMTFT) especially the Food and Drug Regulations Officers (FDROs) to join efforts with  and seek help of  the Local Government Units( LGUs) in the monitoring and seizure banned products still in the market.

LGUs and other enforcement agencies are deputized to apprehend vendors or outlets found selling the highly toxic cosmetic products pursuant to FDA Act of 2009 and the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

These products have entered the Philippine market without the approval of the DOH-FDA and consumers directly exposed to these cosmetic products are at risk of toxicity. As compared to FDA-approved cosmetics, these banned products have no assurance that they were produced under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and comply with the cosmetic standards for safety and quality, Director Hartigan-Go explained.

Mercury salts in cosmetic products prevent the formation of melanin in the skin resulting in lighter (whiter) skin tone. Absorption of high level of mercury in cosmetic products may lead to kidney damage, skin rashes, and skin discoloration. It further reduces the skin’s normal resistance against bacterial and fungal infections. Those exposed to high toxic mercury in cosmetics are advised to seek professional help. (DOH-V/ PIA Sorsogon)