COSMETIC PRODUCTS FOUND ADULTERATED

The Ministry of Health would like to alert members of the public to two cosmetic products which have been tested by the laboratory of Pharmacy Laboratory Services, Ministry of Health and found to be adulterated with undeclared substance.

The affected cosmetic products are listed as below:

The adulterant found in this product 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 Ministry of Health 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.

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 hereby 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 Ministry of Health would also like to call upon the public for their cooperation to report to the Health Regulations Services if any of these products are still found on the market in this country.

For further information and communication, the public may contact the Health Regulations Services at 2384182, send an e-mail to health.regulations@moh.gov.bn or go directly to Health Regulations Services, 1^st Floor, Ministry of Health, Commonwealth Drive, Brunei Darussalam. The public may also contact Talian Darussalam 123 for any other enquiries.

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Reference       : KK/PR/3

Date                : 13 June 2017 / 18 Ramadhan 1438