FDA Discusses Cosmetics And Contaminated Makeup

By: Susan Harris
12/01/2011 08:43 AM ET

FDA Discusses Cosmetics – The FDA discusses contaminated cosmetics at a public meeting.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration held a public meeting examining microbiological safety issues in makeup.

Currently, the FDA doesn’t approve makeup before they are sold to consumers and has no specific regulations regarding microbial safety in the products. But the agency is developing such safety guidelines for cosmetic makers, and the public meeting gave leading experts a chance to have their say.

Contaminated makeup, particularly those used in the eye area, can lead to serious issues, according to the Food and Drug Administration. If lotion, often used on the whole body, is tainted, it can lead to infections.

Reports of adverse events to the Food and Drug Administration can range from a simple rash to something more serious, like facial swelling or breathing troubles. It discusses all of the issues.

During the meeting, the Food and Drug Administration discusses testing makeup for contamination, the efficacy of preservatives and how packaging can harbor bacteria. When it comes to cosmetics, the Food and Drug Administration’s legal authority is different from some of the other products the agency regulates, like drugs, biologics or medical devices. Makeups aren’t subject to Food and Drug Administration premarket approval (except for color additives); instead, cosmetic companies are responsible for testing and ensuring the safety of their products and ingredients before they hit the market.

When there is a problem, the FDA finds out after the fact from reports by consumers, health care providers, inspections and products surveys.

In November, a John Frieda conditioner (specifically, John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Enhancing Conditioner for Lighter Shades) was recalled due to microbial contamination. Then in late October, Purity Cosmetics’ 100% Pure Cocoa Plum Eye Shadow was recalled after the item was found to harbor Pseudomonas Luteola, a bacterium that can cause peritonitis, cellulitis and bacteremia.

Source: FDA Discusses Cosmetics