THE Ministry of Health (MoH) said yesterday that two cosmetics products were found to be adulterated with mercury following tests by the laboratory of Drug Quality Control Section, Pharmaceutical Services Department, MoH.
According to the MoH, ‘Lyanaz Beauty Care, Babies Blink 5 in 1, Susu Madu + Gluthathione + Estrak Tomato-Babies Blink Day which is manufactured by Lyanaz Beautycare Sdn Bhd was found to contain mercury.
‘Lyanaz Beauty Care, Babies Blink 5 in 1, Susu Madu + Gluthathione + Estrak Tomato-Babies Blink Night’ which is manufactured by Lyanaz Beautycare Sdn Bhd was also found to contain mercury.
The MoH said it has not issued any approval for the importation and/or Cosmetic Notification Acknowledgement Letter for the sale of these products. Following these findings, the products are not allowed to be imported and sold in Brunei Darussalam.
The two products were found through post-marketing surveillance activities conducted by the Pharmacy Enforcement Section at retail outlets, according to the statement issued by MoH.
Lyanaz Beauty Care, Babies Blink 5 in 1, Susu Madu + Gluthathione + Estrak Tomato-Babies Blink Day.
Lyanaz Beauty Care, Babies Blink 5 in 1, Susu Madu + Gluthathione + Estrak Tomato-Babies Blink Night. – PHOTOS: MOH
The adulterants found in these products can cause adverse effects that are potentially hazardous to the people using them, the MoH said. Mercury is a potent ingredient that is prohibited in cosmetic products as stipulated in the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations 2007.
Mercury is prohibited in cosmetic products due to its hazardous effects on human health. It is readily absorbed through the skin on topical application and tends to accumulate in the body. Exposure to mercury can cause skin rashes, memory loss and muscle weakness while high exposures may result in damage to the brain and kidneys. It is also extremely toxic to unborn children.
Members of the public who have purchased or used these products are advised to stop using them immediately. They should also consult a medical practitioner if they feel unwell or experience any undesirable reactions as a result of using them.
Members of the public involved in the retail of these products (including online retail such as through Facebook, etc) are reminded that it is an offence under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007 to import and market cosmetic products in the local market without a Cosmetic Product Notification Acknowledgement Letter issued by the authority, where the penalty for contravening these regulations upon conviction, is a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.
The MoH also called on the public for their cooperation to report to the Pharmacy Enforcement Section if any of these products are still found on the market in this country.
For further information and communication, the public may contact the Pharmacy Enforcement Section at 2393298 extension 208, send an e-mail to pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn or go directly to 1st Floor, Pharmaceutical Services’ Building, Kampong Madaras, Mukim Gadong A.
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