The Government Analyst Food and Drug Department has issued an advisory to importers/distributors and manufacturers of cosmetics to get their operations and commodities registered.
The Department stated that importers/ distributors, manufacturers and consumers should make it a priority to understand the difference between cosmetics and drugs, since different regulations apply to these products.
The Food and Drug Department will be monitoring the ingredient listings of cosmetics for approved, hypo allergic substances and label claims, since all the information, including a list of the ingredients that the product contains, is located on the container of a cosmetic. All label information is required to be displayed in the English language.
The Food and Drug Act defines cosmetic by its intended use to alter the appearance of the human body, while drugs are classified as substances intended to treat or prevent diseases or otherwise affect the structure or function of the human body.
However, there are some cosmetics that are considered as drugs, and should therefore meet the regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical products, the Department stated.
In addition, some products meet the definitions of both cosmetics and drugs and therefore must comply with the requirements for both categories.
It is stated in Section 14 of the Food and Drug Act that no person shall sell a cosmetic product that has in it any substance which may injure the health of the user when the cosmetic is used according to its customary method. (GINA)