Consumers warned against buying unlisted cosmetics

SHOPPING for the holidays? Stay away from these cosmetic products in the market that had not been registered with the government.

In an advisory, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers against buying imported shampoo, toothpaste, hair dye and facial creams being sold in stores but did not undergo mandatory registration and evaluation with the government agency to assess their quality and safety.

The FDA identified the unregistered products as Tesco Revitalising Shampoo Tea Tree and Mint and Tesco My Senses Shampoo Miracle Moisture, manufactured and distributed by Tesco Stores Ltd.; White Glo Extra Strength Whitening Toothpaste Smokers Formula and White Glo Extra Strength Whitening Toothpaste Coffee and Tea Drinkers by Barros Laboratories Pty. Ltd. Australia; L’Oreal BB Cream; PS Hair Colorant from Guangzhou, China; Active-care Green Tea and Verdon Series Hair Colorant.

“All consumers are advised to buy cosmetic products that have FDA market authorization and only from legitimate outlets,” read the advisory signed by Health Secretary Janette Garin, also acting as FDA director general.

“All establishments and outlets are hereby warned against selling the identified products. Anyone found selling these products will be penalized,” the agency said.

It asked local government units to check if cosmetic products without FDA authorization were being sold by sidewalk or ambulant vendors in their areas.

The Bureau of Customs has been directed to watch for attempts to smuggle unregistered and toxic health products into the country.

The FDA said the public may access its database of products that have its stamp of approval through the website www.fda.gov.ph to ensure that what they are buying are of good quality and safe.

“To report any adverse reactions from using a specific cosmetic product, please e-mail us at [email protected],” said the FDA.