BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Ministry of Health has banned five cosmetic products that were found adulterated with undeclared western medicine.

The products are Ana Marissa Beauty Night Cream HD, Lyanaz Beauty Care-Magic Night Cream, Atika Beauty Sunblock, Dnars Yellow Cream and SP Super UV Whitening.

In a press statement, the ministry warned members of the public against using the products as they contain mercury, which has hazardous health effects.

Exposure to mercury can cause skin rashes, memory loss and muscle weakness, while high exposure may result in damage to the brain and kidneys. It is also extremely toxic to unborn children, the statement added.

Members of the public who have purchased or used these products are advised to stop using them immediately. They should also consult a medical practitioner if they feel unwell or experience any undesirable reactions as a result of using them.

MoH added that it has not issued any approval for the importation and/or Cosmetic Notification Acknowledgement Letter for the sale of the products, adding that the products are not allowed to be imported and sold in Brunei.

Members of the public involved in the retail of the said products (including online retail such as through Facebook) are reminded that it is an offence under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007 to import and market cosmetic products in the local market without a Cosmetic Product Notification Acknowledgement Letter issued by the authority.

The penalty for contravening the regulations upon conviction is a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.

MoH also called on the public to report to the Pharmacy Enforcement Section if any of the products are still found in the market.

The public may contact the Pharmacy Enforcement Section at 2230036, send an e-mail to pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn or visit the Department of Pharmaceutical Services’ building in Kg Madaras, Mukim Gadong A.

The Brunei Times