Throughout February 2019, the Rapex system for EU consumers recalled a total of 11 products in the cosmetics category. However, according to the system’s own figures, only four alerts were issued. Would you like to know how that’s possible? Read on!
Rapex Report 1 February 2019
Rapex Report, February 2019 –
Last Friday 1. The RAPEX system for EU consumers recalled a hair dye because it contained barium amongst its ingredients. In addition, two tattoo inks from the US brand Eternal Ink were recalled because they contained carcinogenic ingredients.
Finally, Rapex alerts led to the withdrawal of a lighter that was shaped like a lipstick. Let’s remember: just as it is not permitted to manufacture a cosmetic product that looks like food, it is also not permitted to manufacture a product from another category in the image and likeness of a cosmetic.
Rapex Report 8 February 2019
On Friday 8 February Rapex alerts led to the withdrawal from the market in Latvia of 8 pumps bath salts because they appeared in the guise of a muffin. Although Rapex has reported the recall of these products in a single alert – and therefore, according to its records, there are only two alerts relating to cosmetics – at GTF M. Camps we understand that the number of items recalled under this first alert was in fact eight.
In addition to these bath salts, a moisturising cream because they contain the preservatives MI and MCI, which are not permitted under Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Outside the cosmetics sector, we would like to highlight the withdrawal of several items in the toys category, which consisted of a gel-like substance, supposedly intended for hand play, and which contained high levels of boron.
Rapex Report 15 February 2019
On Friday 15 February, there was some good news: no cosmetic products were recalled in the Rapex alerts. However, two tattoo inks – once again from the US company Eternal Ink – were banned because they contained aromatic amines, which can cause cancer, mutations and affect reproduction.
Rapex Report 22 February 2019
In the latest Rapex alert of the month, issued on Friday 22 February, a single cosmetic product was recalled: a body lotion, which contained two labelling errors:
- Failure to disclose fragrances with allergenic potential
- Failure to state the presence of isobutylparaben in the list of ingredients.
It is important to remember the the importance of including all the substances that make up a cosmetic product in the list of ingredients, as some people may experience adverse reactions to certain combinations: for example, some fragrances may cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.
Furthermore, as is only natural, consumers have the right to be properly informed about the product they are consuming. And companies in the sector have a duty to provide them with accurate and honest information.
Rapex Report, February 2019. For further information on the Rapex system for hazardous non-food products intended for EU consumers, you can visit their website. Now in Spanish!