The Personal Care Products Council’s opposition to the Safe Cosmetics Act 2011
Taking an opposite stance, CEO of PCPC Lezley Westine has acknowledged a need for “certain provisions of the US Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to be modernised”, whilst stating her belief that the law is adequately governing the industry.
Introduced by representatives Jan Schakowsky, Ed Markey, and Tammy Baldwin, they believe in the importance of the new bill due to the “growing number of reports of serious health problems arising from the use of dangerous chemicals in personal care products “.
Strong federal safety requirements
According to Westine, “Strong federal safety requirements already govern cosmetics and personal care products sold in the US.”
Stating that the safety of cosmetic and personal care products lies with the US Food and Drug Administration, under the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (FD&C Act), she also adds that “Under the FD&C Act, it is a crime to market an unsafe cosmetic product.”
More so, as well as stating her belief in the governing authorities being more than adequate, Westine has also expressed concern that the bill “contains provisions that will place unnecessary burdens on the FDA and businesses of all sizes and may compromise jobs without providing meaningful benefits to consumers.”
No power to supervise
Conversely, rep Jan Schakowsky, regarding the governing authorities has commented, “Currently manufacturers are not required to disclose all their ingredients on labels and the FDA has no power to supervise the use of toxic chemicals in cosmetics.”
Elaborating, Schakowsky pointed to recent scandals which have come to light such as the carcinogen formaldehyde and its use within keratin hair-straightening products such as Brazilian Blowout.
In April of this year, it was the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration which warned salons to stop using it.
Over the past year it has come under increased scrutiny in the personal care industry following a string of lawsuits and health claims surrounding its use in hair smoothing treatments, prompting some members of Congress to request the Food and Drug Administration to take action to protect salon workers and consumers.
