FDA bans 6 more whitening creams

THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned six more cosmetic whitening products due to it having excessive mercury contents.

Based on FDA Advisory 2012-18-A issued Friday, it raised the number of banned cosmetic products to 77 from the previous number of 71 in late 2012.

The banned whitening creams are Fruit and Lovely Quickacting Whitener & Speckle Remover Package (Beige Cream and Yellow Cream); 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Sun Block Cream – Green Olive & Papaya Natural Essence (Light Yellow Cream); Spring Return Ginseng & Pearl Natural Pure Plants Whitening Cream (with foreign markings) (Light Yellow Cream); TVC Spot Remover Cream; Natural Orange Whitening and Anti-Aging Package (Off-White Cream and Yellow Cream); and Yoko Whitening Cream with SPF-15.

In its original advisory, FDA Director Kenneth Go had warned that chronic use of mercury-tainted products reduces the skin's normal resistance against bacterial and fungal infections.

Go added that the transfer of mercury to fetuses of pregnant women may manifest as neuro-development deficits later in life.

Anti-toxic watchdog EcoWaste Coalition immediately lauded the decision of the FDA, saying it proves the vigilance of the agency in guarding the health of the consumers.

But according to the group, it would be better if the government would penalize the vendors found selling banned products.

"By punishing these vendors of contraband cosmetics to the fullest extent of the law, we send a clear message to the cosmetics industry and the public that our country truly means business when it comes to protecting our people, especially our women and children, from further mercury exposure," said EcoWaste.

Under Republic Act 9711 or the FDA Act of 2009, individual violators may be penalized with imprisonment from one to 10 years or a fine from P50,000 to P500,000, or both.

For violators who are manufacturers, importers or distributors, the imprisonment can be from five to 10 years and the fine of P500,000 to P5,000,000. (HDT/Sunnex)