THE Ministry of Health (MoH) alerted members of the public to a cosmetic products tested by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section, Scientific Laboratory Services, MoH and found to be adulterated with undeclared, potent western medicine.
The cosmetic product is Kunyit Kemboja Skincare 4 in 1 P.U.T.I.H K.E.K.A.L Krim 1 Kunyit Kemboja by Batrisya Beauty found to contain Mercury.
The adulterant found in these products can cause adverse effects potentially hazardous to the people using them, the ministry said in a statement.
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 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.
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 Poisons Act 1956 to sell any product containing any substance controlled under the Act, where the penalty for such an offence upon conviction, is a fine not exceeding BND8,000 or six months’ imprisonment.
If a person commits an Act that amounts to such a degree of negligence so as to endanger or be likely to endanger human life, then such person shall be guilty of an offence which carries a penalty of a fine of BND16,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment.
The public is also 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 BND5,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.
The MoH also called upon the public to report to the Compliance and Licensing Section if any of these products are still found on the market in this country.
For information, the public may contact the Compliance and Licensing Section at 2393298 extension 208; send an e-mail to pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn; go to 1st Floor, Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services’ Building, Kampong Madaras, Mukim Gadong ‘A’; or call Darussalam line 123.