Consumers Cautioned Against Using Cosmetic Product Containing Scheduled Poison

Date: 15 February 2013 - 9:56am
News categories: 
Press Release

The public is advised to avoid buying and using the following cosmetic product:

Product Name

Notification Number

Scheduled Poison Detected

Name of Product Holder

Name of Manufacturer

Sensual Whitening Cream

NOT100751321K

Mercury

Sensere Marketing Sdn. Bhd.

Liberta Co., Ltd, JAPAN

The product notification of the above cosmetic have been cancelled by the Director of Pharmaceutical Services following the detection of a scheduled poison heavy metal mercury.

Mercury is prohibited in cosmetic products due to its potential hazard on human health.

Mercury compounds are readily absorbed through the skin on topical application and tend to accumulate in the body. Direct and prolonged exposure to mercury can cause damage to the brain, nervous system and kidneys. Using products containing mercury can also result in skin rashes, irritation, and other changes to the skin. Mercury is also extremely toxic to unborn children. Pregnant women who use product containing mercury may not experience symptoms of mercury poisoning, however the foetuses could become severely poisoned, resulting in brain damage and other malformations.

Sensere Marketing Sdn. Bhd., the company responsible for placing the product in the market have been instructed to immediately halt the sale and supply of the product mentioned and remove all physical stocks from the market within 72 hours.

Anyone who is in possession of this product is advised to immediately cease selling/distributing/using it. Sellers are reminded that possession of this product  is an offence under the Control Of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984. Any individual who commits an offence under these Regulations can be fined up to a maximum of RM25,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or both, and for a second or subsequent offence he shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both. A company found guilty can be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and fined up to a maximum of RM100,000 for a subsequent offence.

Consumers are advised to contact the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (NPCB) at 03-78835532/5534 or e-mail to potm@bpfk.gov.my if they experience any allergic reactions or adverse events from use of cosmetic products.

 

DATO' EISAH BINTI A. RAHMAN 
Senior Director of Pharmaceutical Services
Ministry of Health Malaysia

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