Login / RegisterLocal Trading Standards action to remove dangerous cosmetics from the marketplace
Nazir Ali, Service Manager for Trading Standards at London Borough of Barking & Dagenham shares details of a recent case involving dangerous cosmetic products in his Borough.
Recently, Barking and Dagenham Trading Standards conducted inspection of premises for sampling of cosmetic products that may contain undeclared quantities of Methylisothiazolinone (MI). MI is a preservative used in the cosmetic products. However, the presence of MI can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Subsequently, quantities of “leave-on” cosmetic products were seized from a premises and nine (9) samples were sent for labelling analysis by Kent Scientific Services. The products were tested with regards to the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013. The preservatives Methychloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and Methylisothiazolinone (MI) were listed as present in the products. These preservatives are permitted in “rinse-off” products to a maximum concentration of 0.0015% of a mixture in the ratio of 3:1 of MCI and MI respectively (Annex V, Ref No. 39 CosIng - Cosmetics - GROWTH - European Commission (europa.eu) ). These preservatives are not permitted in “leave-on” products. The ingredients also listed the fragrance allergen, Butylphenyl methylpropional (Lilial). This substance is prohibited for in cosmetic products (Annex II, Ref No.1666 - CosIng - Cosmetics - GROWTH - European Commission (europa.eu) and contravenes the Toys and Cosmetics Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2022.
All nine samples failed the labelling requirements and the trader is being prosecuted for breaching the above-mentioned legislation.
Find out more about illegal and dangerous cosmetics on the CTSI #CostofBeauty campaign page.
Pictured: Nazir Ali is being presented with is CTSI Fellowship by the then Chair of CTSI, Wendy Potts.
