THE Ministry of Health (MoH) alerted the public to two cosmetic products tested by the laboratory of Pharmacy Laboratory Services, Ministry of Health that were found to be adulterated with an undeclared substance.
The adulterant found in the products can cause adverse effects potentially hazardous to the people.
The cosmetic products are ‘Dnars Sunny Cream – Sensitif’ and ‘Glow Skin White French Technology’; the latter being manufactured by Ueropack Laboratories, PARIS, France. Both products were found to contain mercury.
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.
The MoH has not issued any approval for the importation and/or Cosmetic Notification Acknowledgement Letter for the sale of the rest of affected products. Following these findings, the products are not allowed to be imported and sold in Brunei Darussalam.
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the cosmetic products found to contain mercury. – PHOTOS: MOH
Those who have purchased or used the products are advised to stop using them immediately.
The public should also consult a medical practitioner if they feel unwell or experience any undesirable reactions as a result of using them.
Those involved in the retail of such 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 requested cooperation from the public to report to the Health Regulations Services if any of these products are still found in the market in the country.
The public can contact the Health Regulations Services at 2384182, send an e-mail to health.regulations@moh.gov.bn or visit the Health Regulations Services, 1st Floor, Ministry of Health, Commonwealth Drive, Brunei Darussalam for more information. The public can also contact Darussalam hotline 123 for any other enquiries. – MoH
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