The March 11 Fukushima nuclear disaster is less and less a topic. Nevertheless, it may still have consequences, for instance, for our cosmetics, if they contain Japanese raw materials. In an opinion published on July 6th, the French Afssaps (Agency for the safety of sanitary products) reminds manufacturers of their duty to market safe products.
July 7, 2011
Flashback.
On March 11th, the Fukushima nuclear disaster occurred.
On April 22nd, the French General Directorate for Health (DGS, as per the French acronym) asked
Afssaps
about the safety of cosmetics and raw materials used in their formulae imported from Japan. The Agency had to assess the risks due to these products and as needed, to take or require suitable measures. It has issued its opinion on July 6th. At last!
Assessment of the situation
As an introduction, the Agency has an overview on the situation.
It points out that, since the disaster, no contamination of goods other than food from Japan has been detected. However,
Afssaps
says "
it seems that the Japanese authorities do not yet control exported products
".
Using this point,
Afssaps
reminds that radioactive substances are in the list of substances banned in
cosmetic products
.
In practical terms, as a first point, this means that any intentional addition of radioactive substances in cosmetics is forbidden.
Nevertheless, this also implies that, as the raw materials and
cosmetic products
from Japan could lead to an accrued sanitary risk for consumers (inducing cancers, or effects on the offspring or on the descendants) without any …
