COUNCILOR Leandro Yangot may call on erring shop owners to face consequences over the sale of toxic make-up in the city.
“We must prosecute the responsible and recalcitrant party to send the message clear that Baguio is not a dumping site for cheap toxic make up and other products,” he said.
Last month, EcoWaste Coalition found toxic make-up sold in stores in the city and urged the Department of Trade and Industry to conduct a probe.
Yangot, who is author of the new law banning toxic cosmetics in the city, said “we want our people to be safe and healthy.”
“We welcome the moves by the Baguio City Government, particularly the Health Services Office and the City Council, to address the problem with the unethical and unlawful sale of cosmetics that can pose serious health risks, especially to women consumers,” said Thony Dizon, chemical safety campaigner of EcoWaste Coalition.
The group last September 1 went to Baguio and collected samples of unregistered skin whitening creams and lipsticks, which were found to be contaminated with mercury and lead.
City health officer Rowena Galpo has assured a probe on toxic make up is being done.
Galpo in a letter to EcoWaste Coalition “We are very thankful and appreciative of the extended efforts you have made during Baguio City’s Charter Day Celebration.”
Galpo added “As a response to your letter, we immediately notified and forwarded your e-mail to the Food and Drug Administration of the Department of Health – Cordillera Administrative Region Office for them to look into the products being sold,” wrote Galpo.
The products S’Zitang (gold box) manufactured in China and sold by the Pao-Pao Herbal & Beauty Products at the Maharlika Livelihood Complex at P80 with a mercury content of 1,643 ppm (for the day cream) and 3,177 ppm count for the night cream. The product has also been banned by the FDA since 2010.
Lipstick branded MAC Mariah Carey #02 and #06 sold in the red and yellow canister also sold at the Maharlika area by Jian Ling General Merchandise at P120 were found to have lead content at 11,200 ppm, chromium at 1,346 ppm, arsenic at 386 ppm and mercury at 37 ppm [for the #06]; while the #02 had levels of lead reaching 42,800 ppm, chromium: 6,132 ppm, arsenic: 1,350 ppm and mercury: 63 ppm.
S’Zitang 10-Day Whitening & Spot Day Night Set, also from China, sold by the Jerry & Hayden Herbal and General Merchandise Store at Rajah Soliman St at P100 had a mercury content of 2,607 ppm [day cream] and for the night cream at 414 ppm. The FDA has also banned the product since 2015.
The Yangot measure aims to regulate cosmetic products in the city.
If approved, an intensified law enforcement will take effect against manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of adulterated and fake products, including the confiscation and destruction of non-FDA approved products will be in effect.
The alderman wants to put an end to the illegal manufacture, importation, marketing and promotion, distribution and sale of unregistered cosmetic products; promote citizen awareness about the health and environmental impacts of consuming toxic-chemical containing cosmetics; and discourage consumers from patronizing cheap yet perilous cosmetic products.