Philippines Warn Against Toxic Lipstick From China
Please note that we are not authorised to provide any investment advice. The content on this page is for information purposes only.
Women lipstick made in China could contain high levels of lead that have been linked to causing high blood pressure, joint pain and poor memory loss in adults, warned officials from the Philippines on Sunday, urging consumers to avoid unregistered lipstick brands and be wary of imitation products purporting to be legitimate brands.
The Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the advisory over the weekend after observing that many of these products were being sold widely on the streets of many urban areas without the agency’s approval.
Women lipstick made in China could contain high levels of lead that have been linked to causing high blood pressure, joint pain and poor memory loss in adults, warned officials from the Philippines on Sunday, urging consumers to avoid unregistered lipstick brands and be wary of imitation products purporting to be legitimate brands.
The Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the advisory over the weekend after observing that many of these products were being sold widely on the streets of many urban areas without the agency’s approval.
“These products may contain high levels of heavy metals, especially lead,” the FDA said, in a statement quoted by AFP.
[quote]The lipsticks are “un-notified products from China or imitations of the original products being sold by sidewalk and ambulant vendors or outlets in the country,” the advisory warned.[/quote]Among the lipstick brands being sold include Baolishi, Miss Beauty, Shijing, Ling Mei and Heng Fang. The FDA also discovered several imitation products carrying major labels such as Popa Italy 3 in 1, L’Oreal No. 209 and Luoys Paris No. 05.
The FDA have asked local government units and law enforcers to help ensure that the unregistered products being sold in their localities are confiscated and impounded. It also urged the Bureau of Customs “to remain vigilant in ensuring that these products are not released in the market without proper authorization from the FDA.”
“In adults, lead toxicant has been linked with high blood pressure, joint pain, poor memory and concentration problems,” the FDA said.
[quote]”The children are particularly at risk from neurotoxic effects of lead, which affect their brain development and cognition,” it added.[/quote]According to AFP, the unlicensed lipsticks may have been smuggled into the country due to rampant corruption in the customs bureau.
Related: China Scrambles To Crack Down On “Fake Eggs”
Related: Chinese Consumers Willing To Pay More For “Made in USA” Goods: BCG Study
Related: China To Investigate Report Of GM Rice Experiment On Children
This is not the first time that Chinese cosmetic products have been banned in the Philippines. In 2010, the FDA banned at least nine Chinese brands of skin creams and whiteners that were found to contain high levels of mercury.
The public has been advised to check if a cosmetic product is registered through the FDA website, www.fda.gov.ph.
