BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, NOV 24 – The public is urged not to use a cosmetic product that was found to be contaminated with a prohibited substance/scheduled poison listed in the undeclared Poisons Act 1956, as a result of laboratory tests conducted by the Pharmacy Division, Laboratory Services Department Scientific, Ministry of Health.
The Ministry of Health in a statement issued here, stated that the cosmetic product that was contaminated was BABY SHINE 3 IN 1- TREATMENT NIGHT CREAM, Made in Malaysia where the product in question was found to be contaminated by Hydroquinone which can result in harmful effects that are harmful to health.
Hydroquinone is a substance used in medicines that require a prescription to treat skin diseases and it is prohibited as an ingredient in skin care cosmetic products under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007.
The use of Hydroquinone without the supervision of a doctor can cause hypersensitivity, a change in the color of the skin on the part of the skin that is applied to become blue-black or dark and can increase the risk of skin cancer.
The Ministry of Health has never issued permission for import activities for the product in question and/or issued a Cosmetic Product Notification Acknowledgment for the sale of the product in question.
Following that finding, the products in question are prohibited to be imported and sold in Brunei Darussalam.
People who have used the product are advised to stop taking it immediately. If they experience side effects and feel unwell after using the products, they should see a doctor immediately.
The sale of the product, including online sales such as through Facebook and so on, is an offense under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007 and if found guilty can be fined not more than $5000, imprisoned not more than two years or both.
The Ministry of Health would also like to request cooperation from the public to report to the Compliance and Licensing Division if it finds that the products in question are still being marketed in the country.
For further information and contact, the public can contact the Compliance and Licensing Division by phone, 2392201 extension 208, send an email to [email protected]meet directly with the Compliance and Licensing Officer on the 1st Floor, Pharmacy Services Department Building, Kampung Madaras, Mukim Gadong A or call Talian Darussalam 123.
