THE Ministry of Health (MoH) alerted the public to two types of cosmetic products which have been tested by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section, Scientific Laboratory Services, MoH and found to be adulterated with undeclared, potent western medicine.
The affected health products are Goree Beauty Cream with Lycopene and Goree Day & Night Whitening Cream Oil Free. The products are manufactured by H Pharmacy Pakistan.
The adulterant found in these products can cause adverse effects that are potentially hazardous to the people using them.
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 for the sale of these products 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.
Members of the public who 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) have been 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 would also like to call upon 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 information, contact the Pharmacy Enforcement Section at 2393298 extension 208; send an e-mail to pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn; go directly to 1st Floor, Department of Pharmaceutical Services’ Building, Kampong Madaras, Mukim Gadong ‘A’; or call the Darussalam line 123.
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