Laban Konsyumer Inc., a consumer protection group, and the EcoWaste Coalition cautioned that some cosmetic products lack the required warning label to protect young children from inhaling talc-based powder.
The groups made the observation following the dissemination by the Food and Drug Administration of the Asean Advisory Statement on Talc, which among other things reiterated that talcum powders used in children must carry the warning statement “keep powder away from children’s nose and mouth.”
The warning label aims to protect children from inhaling talc in powdery products in line with the Asean, European and Canadian cosmetic labeling requirements.
“It’s important for manufacturers to comply with cosmetic labeling requirements under the Asean Cosmetic Directive and national laws such as the Consumer Act and the Food and Drug Administration Act to adequately guide consumers on products to buy and their proper use,” said Laban Konsyumer president Vic Dimagiba
Ecowaste Coalition chemical safety campaigner Thony Dizon said products intended for use by young children such as baby talcum powders must bear the required warning statement to prevent and reduce potential health risks from the inhalation of talc.
The groups further sought assurance from manufacturers that talc used in their products were asbestos-free, noting that asbestos must not form part of a cosmetic formulation under the Asean Cosmetic Directive.
The groups noted that the FDA earlier asked manufacturers, importers and distributors of talc-containing cosmetics “to provide proof or certifications of asbestos-free products sold in the market.”
In test buys conducted by the EcoWaste Coalition, seven products were found not to have the required warning label, namely B&B Kids Body Powder, Babyflo Talc Powder, Carrie Talcum Powder, Cherub Baby Powder, Lucky Talcum Powder, Snake Brand Prickly Heat Cooling Powder and Young’s Face and Body Powder.
Six products were found compliant with the required warning label information, namel, Fissan Diaper Rash Powder, Johnson’s Baby Powder, Kateenson Baby Powder, Lewis & Pearl Body & Face Powder, My Baby Powder and Tender Care Hypo-Allergenic Baby Powder.