THE Ministry of Health (MoH) would like to alert the public of a cosmetic product, which has been tested by the Pharmacy Section, Department of Scientific Services, MoH and found to be adulterated with an undeclared substance.
The affected cosmetic product is ‘Azzalea by Camira – Queen Cream’, manufactured by Guangzhoe Meishing Cosmetics Co Ltd, in China, and contains mercury.
Mercury is a potent ingredient that is prohibited in cosmetic products as stipulated in the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007 due to its hazardous effects on human health. 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 this product, and is not allowed to be imported and sold in Brunei Darussalam.
Members of the public who have purchased or used this product are advised to stop using it immediately. They should also consult a medical practitioner if they feel unwell or experience any undesirable reactions.
Members of the public involved in the retail of this product 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 is a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.
The MoH calls upon the public for their cooperation to report to the Pharmacy Enforcement Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services if this product is still found on the market in this country.