PRESS STATEMENT
DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF HEALTH MALAYSIA
CONSUMERS CAUTIONED AGAINST USING COSMETIC PRODUCT CONTAINING SCHEDULED POISON
The public is advised to avoid buying and using the following cosmetic product:
|
Product Name |
Notification Number |
Scheduled Poison Detected
|
Name of Product Notification Holder |
|
Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 |
NOT151106644K |
Mercury |
Vida Beauty |
The above cosmetic product has been tested and detected to contain mercury which is prohibited in cosmetic products. Cosmetic product Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 is no longer allowed to be sold in Malaysia.
The National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (NPCB), Ministry of Health Malaysia had received a report of adverse effects of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hair loss from a consumer following the use of cosmetic products Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 and Qu Puteh Whitening UV Block (NOT151106645K) for about three months. The conditions resolved after stopping use.
NPCB had sampled and tested both Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 and Qu Puteh Whitening UV Block. The results showed that one of the products namely Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 was found to contain a high level of mercury.
Cosmetic products adulterated with mercury are usually marketed for skin lightening and anti ageing treatments such as for freckles, blemishes and wrinkles. Such products are prohibited and can cause harm to human health. Exposure to mercury can damage the kidneys and the nervous system. It may also interfere with the development of the brain in unborn and very young children.
Exposure to mercury may also affect others, especially children. Mercury can get into their bodies from inhaling the mercury vapours. Infants and children can accidently ingest mercury when they touch the cosmetic product containing mercury or any person using these products. The use of products containing mercury may cause skin rashes, irritation and other changes to the skin.
The notification of Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 has been cancelled and the company responsible for placing the product in the market have been instructed to immediately stop its sale and supply and to remove all physical stocks from the market within 72 hours.
Anyone who is in possession of this product is advised to immediately stop selling/distributing/using it. Sellers are reminded that posession 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 encouraged to report to the NPCB if they experience any allergic reactions or adverse effects from the use of cosmetic products at 03-78018496/78835532 or e-mail to kosmetik@bpfk.gov.my and to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Datuk Dr. Noor Hisham bin Abdullah
Director-General of Health Malaysia
22nd January 2016
