10 toxic whitening products resurface in markets

MANILA, Philippines - Ten whitening products banned by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) for containing mercury have resurfaced in the market, the environmental group Eco­Waste Coalition said yesterday.

In a statement, EcoWaste said the banned products are again being sold in some health and beauty shops and Chinese drug stores.

“We are very upset to find these health-damaging skin lightening creams on store shelves despite the repeated FDA threat of filing criminal charges against violators,” said Aileen Lucero of EcoWaste.

Several months ago, the FDA had banned 28 skin whitening products for exceeding the allowable mercury content limit of one part per million.

EcoWaste said it conducted market surveillance last week.

“Our latest test buys only underscore the need for firm and strict law enforcement in order to protect Filipino consumers from mercury exposure in personal care products,” Lucero said.

These banned whitening products are: Beauty Girl Ginseng and Green Cucumber, Beauty Girl Olive and Sheep Essence, Dr. Bai, Jiao Li 7-Days Eliminating Freckle AB Set, Jiao Li 10-Days Eliminating Freckle Day and Night Set, Jiaoli Huichusu, Jiaoli Huichusu Whitening Speckles Removal Cream, Jiaoli Miraculous Cream, JJJ Magic Spot Removing Cream, and S’Zitang.

The group appealed to the FDA to go after those responsible for the reappearance of the banned products in the market to discourage others from violating the ban.