Senator Lito Lapid is pushing a Senate inquiry into the reported proliferation of illegal cosmetic products in the country.
In Senate Resolution 1384 he filed, Lapid said the inquiry was aimed at crafting appropriate legislation that would regulate, if not ban, the sale of cosmetics with “questionable nature in order to protect the general public.”
“The protection of public health is a paramount policy issue especially as this principle echoes the constitutional mandate of the state to protect the health of its citizens and to adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential services available to all,” the resolution said.
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It then pointed out to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report that at least 37 products being sold in the market have no FDA notification and 28 more were tested to contain high levels of lead and mercury.
The resolution also noted news reports that EcoWaste Coalition, an environmental advocacy group, submitted to FDA a list of illegal cosmetic products, which reportedly came from certain drug stores, beauty and herbal product retailers, and general merchandise stores from over 50 cities nationwide.
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“There is a need to investigate this matter and review existing laws and policies being implemented by the government anent the sale of cosmetic products and institute policies to address this concern,” Lapid’s measure further said. IDL
