NEW LEGISLATION TO EMPOWER FDA TO BAR HARMFUL COSMETICS

More cases are being reported about harmful effects of harsh chemicals in cosmetics. These are forcing government agencies to introduce strict measures to ensure safety of products. Recently, strong reaction was reported after the use of Wen Cleansing Conditioner by a young girl who lost her hair.

The New York Times report last month had highlighted the serious problems due to the use of unsafe cosmetic products, and it raised the question whether FDA should have more control on product safety. There were more than 21,000 complaints of itching, rashes and hair loss against Wen Hair Care. And amid the outcry against lack of safety regulations,  there was  face-off between the consumer protection groups and the cosmetics industry.

Two Congressmen, Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Leonard Lance (R-NJ) have now proposed stricter legislation that will enable FDA to ensure marketing of only safe cosmetics. They feel that “Americans assume the cosmetics they use each day are safe. However, the reality is that cosmetics are one of the least regulated consumer products in the market today. FDA’s lack of authority over cosmetic products puts consumers at risk.”

The new legislation would strengthen FDA’s authority to be able to allow safe products in the market; making it mandatory to recall of potentially dangerous cosmetics and access to cosmetic records during FDA’s inspection, collecting data and information on cosmetic ingredients, requiring FDA to review such ingredients to determine their safe use, mandating that cosmetic manufacturers report all adverse results to FDA, requiring warning on cosmetic labels that particular products are not safe for all consumers, and finally ensuring that cosmetic manufacturing follows the safety measures of GMP to be established by FDA.

Herbally Radiant has also been highlighting the fact that most of the cosmetic products being sold on line have questionable safety records. Online suppliers are not obliged at present to follow safety precautions, and most of them are more focused on their profit margins. As a result, more consumers are approaching Herbally Radiant with all kinds of complaints after buying unsafe cosmetics.

It is hoped that the legislation will go a long way in determining accountability of those industry players who at present do not adhere to the safety procedures, and consumers will feel comfortable in using cosmetic products.