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Update on EC product safety alerts and reports of cosmetic products posing a risk to the health and safety of consumers.
The European Commission Safety Gate is used by EU market surveillance authorities to notify unsafe and noncompliant products, including those that present a risk to the health and safety of consumers. The online system serves as a single rapid alert system for dangerous consumer products. All non-food products intended for consumers or likely under reasonably foreseeable conditions to be used by consumers are included within the scope, with the exception of pharmaceutical and medical products. This information is circulated among the competent authorities, through a network of national contact points.
CTPA regularly checks the notifications made via the rapid alert system website. For information, below are recent notifications made by the Member States.
Austria
A sun cream was identified as having too low a sun protection factor (SPF) of 2.2, posing a risk of sunburn and chronic consequences of excessive sun exposure to consumers. The product was recalled from end users.
Cyprus
A face paint was found to contain lead. The product was withdrawn from the market.
Czechia
Many products were identified as containing 2-(4-tert- butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA) which is prohibited in cosmetic products. These include a shower gel, aftershave, shampoo and hair styling foams. The products were withdrawn from the market and in some cases, ordered to be destroyed.
France
A nail varnish was found to contain 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and hydroquinone methylether (mequinol) which are prohibited in nail products for consumer use. The product was recalled from end users.
Germany
A body cream which contained isobutylparaben which is prohibited in cosmetic products. The product was recalled from end users.
Skin cleansing wipes contaminated with the mesophilic aerobic bacteria Pluralibacter gergoviae. The product was withdrawn from market and recalled from end users.
Hair waxes containing 2-(4-tert- butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA) which is prohibited in cosmetic products. Sales of the products have stopped.
A shower gel found to be contaminated with the bacteria Burkholderia cepacia, which may potentially cause illness in some consumers. The product was withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users.
Hungary
Many products were identified as containing 2-(4-tert- butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA) which is prohibited in cosmetic products. These include perfumes and a body spray. The products were withdrawn from the market, and all marketing of the products was banned.
A face paint kit was found to be contaminated with mesophilic bacteria which may cause infections. The product was withdrawn from the market.
Italy
Many products were identified as containing 2-(4-tert- butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA) which is prohibited in cosmetic products. These include a hair and body wash, shower gel, shampoo and bath foams. Any marketing of the products was banned and accompanying measures were undertaken.
Spain
A perfume was found to contain limonene however its presence was not indicated in the ingredient listing, thus making consumers not aware of its presence and making them at risk of an allergic reaction or skin sensitisation. The product was withdrawn from the market.
