Tagbilaran LGU goes after beauty products with high mercury content

Tagbilaran officials are warning businesses operating in the city that they will face strict penalties and legal action if proven that they are selling products containing mercury. INQUIRER.net stock images

TAGBILARAN CITY — Mayor Jane Yap warned businesses operating in the city that they will face strict penalties and legal action if proven that they are selling products containing mercury.

Yap assured Boholanos that the safety and well-being of the community is her top priority.

“The use of mercury in cosmetics poses significant health risks, including skin damage, kidney issues, and other severe health problems. This is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate the distribution of such dangerous products in Tagbilaran City, ” she said.

The EcoWaste Coalition, a non-governmental organization promoting zero waste, has informed Yap and cautioned consumers after finding two mercury-laden skin whitening products sold in the city. These mercury-containing beauty product have already been banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the group noted.

READ: Banned beauty products still sold in some Taguig shops

EcoWaste ‘s market monitoring conducted on June 23 revealed that unauthorized cosmetics with high mercury content are openly sold in retail shops in Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol province.

In particular, Pakistan-made Goree Beauty Cream variants and Thailand-made 88 Total White Underarm Cream – all banned by FDA between 2017 and 2023.

Yap said the city, in partnership with the local health authorities and regulatory agencies, will conduct inspections and product testing from various retailers to ensure compliance with safety standards.

“Any business establishment that will be proven to be selling products containing mercury will face strict penalties and legal action,” said Yap.

READ: FDA urged to crack down on banned mercury cosmetics in Visayas

“In the meantime, we urge all residents to exercise caution and avoid purchasing or using any whitening creams unless they are verified to be safe and mercury-free. If you come across any suspicious products or have any concerns, please report them immediately to our local health office,” she added.

The Inquirer visited some stores in Tagbilaran on Thursday, July 25, and still found some beauty products prohibited by the FDA.

Yap nonetheless said authorities will go after these stores.

“We are committed to protecting the health of our citizens and maintaining the integrity of our marketplace,” she stressed.