FDA warns of mercury-laced skin whiteners

MANILA, Philippines - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned the public yesterday of seven skin whitening products that tested positive for mercury.

The products are Feique Herbal Extract Chinese Herbal Formula Whitening Anti-Freckle Set Anti-Melanin Anti-Freckle Whitening (2 in 1); JiaoliHuichusu Intensive Whitening Sunscreen and Spots Removing Set; Mifton; BG Ginseng &Ganoderma Lucidum Natural Essence; BG Sea Pearl & Papaya Natural Essence 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Sun Block Cream; Jiaoli Herbs Essence Whitening AB Set and Golden Pearl Beauty Cream.

The FDA said these products were submitted to the agency by a non-government organization for testing and they were found to “contain violative levels” of mercury.

“(They) were confirmed to have mercury content beyond the one ppm (parts per million) limit set by the ASEAN Cosmetic Directives as the acceptable limit,” the FDA added, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. None of these products have been registered with the FDA.

Depending on the level of exposure, mercury could cause skin rashes, memory problems, neurological disturbances and kidney abnormalities.