RAPEX: More Recalls for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
The number of recalls for cosmetics, personal care, and household products (CPCH) grew by two-thirds in 2016, in comparison to 2015. That’s the finding published in the RAPEX Recall Report 2016 of SGS, the international inspection company. The company also issued a press release on its findings, which states that 79 products were recalled in 2015, and 124 in 2016. The five most-frequently recalled products include:
- Bathing products, shower gels, and skin cleansers (18)
- Incense sticks and other fragrances (13)
- Skin-lightening products and cremes (13)
- Tattooing inks (10)
- Hair colorings (9)
Preservatives (like parabens and phthalates), heavy metals, formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and hydroquinone are all involved in the recalls. Nine of the products had to be removed from the market because of incorrect labeling, which failed to list all the allergenic ingredients or meet legal requirements for form and content.
The Rapid Exchange of Information System (RAPEX) is an early warning system for consumer protection. For example, it enables rapid, EU-wide information exchange on recalls – whether initiated by a governmental agency or a manufacturer. The EU provides statistical data in its annual report. The current RAPEX Annual Report appeared in March.
The EU collates notifications from the early-warning system weekly. The Web site of the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety provides a good overview of the procedures followed in Germany for cosmetics and items for daily use.
Ensure the safety of your products at all times. We can help. Contact us at cosmetic@kft.de.
