In a warning letter dated March 19th, the FDA announced the voluntary recall of three Claire’s color cosmetic product after they had tested positive for traces of asbestos, a chemical that is linked to cancers.
Claire’s took immediate action to remove all of the products from all stores throughout the United States, and offered to provide any customers who already have the product to stop using the products immediately and ask for a full refund at the point of purchase.
FDA test findings
Although asbestos is found as a trace ingredient in talc-based products, if the right processes are not followed to decontaminate the talc, it can pose a potential danger to consumers.
But executives at Claire’s believe the testing process carried out on behalf of the FDA contained ‘significant errors’.
"The FDA test reports have mischaracterized fibers in the products as asbestos, in direct contradiction to established EPA and USP (United States Pharmacopeia) criterion for classifying asbestos fibers," Claire's spokeswoman Melanie Berry said in a statement.
"Despite our efforts to discuss these issues with the FDA, they insisted on moving forward with their release. We are disappointed that the FDA has taken this step, and we will continue to work with them to demonstrate the safety of our products."
The recalled products
The products include an eyeshadow, compact power and contour palette, which are listed with the exact product listing details below.
- Claire’s Eyeshadow, SKU #84716, Lot No. 08/17
- Claire’s Compact Powder, SKU #83915, Lot No. 07/15
- Claire’s Contour Palette, SKU #40194, Lot No. 04/17
Testing was carried out on behalf of the FDA by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and AMA Analytical Services.
