| Hakim Hayat |
THE Ministry of Health (MoH) alerted members of the public to two types of cosmetic products found to be adulterated with undeclared, potent Western medicine, following testing by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section, Department of Scientific Services.
The Malaysian-made products are Dnar’s Dinar Cream – found to contain mercury, and Dnar’s honey cream – found to contain Hydroquinone and Tretinoin.
These ingredients cause adverse effects that are potentially hazardous to its consumers.
Mercury is a potent ingredient that is prohibited in cosmetic products as stipulated in the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations 2007. It 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.
Hydroquinone is used in Western prescription medicines to treat skin conditions and is prohibited in skincare cosmetic products under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations. Unsupervised use of Hydroquinone may cause skin hypersensitivity, skin discolouration resulting in gradual darkening of the affected skin area and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Tretinoin is used in Western prescription medicines to treat skin conditions and is prohibited in skincare cosmetic products under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations. Inappropriate use could lead to redness, peeling and scarring of the skin.
The MoH said it 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 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.
The MoH warned members of the public involved in the retail of these products (including online retail such as through Facebook, etc) 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. The penalty for contravening these regulations, upon conviction, is a fine not exceeding BND5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.
The MoH called for public cooperation in reporting to the Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services, should any of these products are still found on the market in this country. For further information, contact the Compliance and Licensing Section at 2393298 (ext 208), e-mail pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn, visit the 1st Floor, Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services Building at Kampong Madaras, or call Darussalam line 123.