Sunday, October 23, 2011

Beauty saloons under Health Ministry's microscope

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Health Ministry will conduct awareness programs for cosmetic manufacturers, importers and those working in beauty saloons on substandard cosmetic products.

The program will be launched in Colombo on November 1, on a directive by Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena. The objective is to create an awareness on beauty saloon parlours countrywide, local cosmetic manufacturers and importers to be cautious on the use of substandard facial and similar products.

Many local pharmaceutical companies import low quality cosmetics, devices and related items without adhering to the guidelines on quality cosmetic products laid down by the National Cosmetic Devices and Regulatory Authority.

The Health Ministry has expressed concern over this matter following the death of a female school teacher who went for a facial treatment at a beauty saloon in Negombo a few weeks ago. It has not been established as yet whether the particular facial cream was harmful or outdated.

A similar incident was reported a few years ago in a foreign country where a popular Sri Lankan female singer died after inhaling substandard dye before using it.

Health Minister Sirisena has also advised officials of the Ministry's flying squad to check unregistered beauty saloons and take action against those beauty parlours.

The flying squad will also ascertain whether proper standards are maintained and wcheck the date of expiry of facial products that are used by beauty parlours as outdated products could pose a health hazard. A large number of young females who have barely two to three months' experience in beauty culture, run beauty saloons at their residences without realising the gravity of using unregistered and harmful cosmetic substances.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/10/23/new23.asp

No comments:

Post a Comment