FDA bans imported cosmetic goods

MANILA, Philippines - The Food and Drugs Administration (formerly Bureau of Food and Drugs) has banned nine imported cosmetic products for containing high level of mercury.

In a circular, FDA director Nazarita Tacandong said the products did not have the “benefit of notification” from the agency, indicating that they were not registered to be sold in the Philippines.

Of the nine products, seven were face creams. These are Jiaoli Huichusu Whitening Speckles Removal Cream, Xin Jiao Li 7-Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Cream, Jiao Li 10-Days Eliminating Freckle Day & Night Set, Jiao Li 7-Days Eliminating Freckle AB Set, Jiao Liang Miraculous Cream, Xin Jiao Liang 7-Days Miracle Package for Spots Refining and Jiao Mei Miraculous Cream.

The two others - Jiao Yan Specific Miraculous Cream and Jiao Li Extra Pearl Facial Cream – are whitening cream products.

Tacandong noted the products were also found to contain mercury beyond the allowable limit of one part per million. “Cosmetic products imported into the country for distribution without the benefit of notification with the FDA or containing such impurities/contaminants that are way beyond the allowable limit is beyond dispute that such products pose imminent danger or injury to the consuming public,” she said.

The agency warned that importation, sale or offering for sale of these products is a “direct violation” of RA 9711 or the Food and Drugs Administration Act of 2009.” “Accordingly, in the interest of protecting public health and safety, the food and drug regulation officers of this office... are hereby ordered to seize immediately the above identified cosmetic products for custody from all outlets or establishments where they may be found,” the circular stated.

The FDA has deputized all enforcement agencies to apprehend and file appropriate charges against owners of establishments selling the products.