Hong Kong Customs has warned the public not to use a
whitening cream product that could be bought in a shop in Central, because it
contains excessive mercury.
Customs has seized 133 pieces of the whitening cream,
BioClear, from a retailer in Central. A 39-year-old woman-in-charge was
arrested and is now being detained for investigation, a government statement
said.
The agency earlier received information from another department
about a mercury poisoning case involving a patient using the product. Test
results revealed the product’s mercury content was 16,471 parts per million. Based
on the hygienic standard for the cosmetic, the product’s mercury exceeded the
maximum permitted limit by 16 471 times, in contravention of the Consumer Goods
Safety Ordinance (CGSO).
Based on the information, Customs yesterday raided a shop in
Central and seized 133 pieces of the whitening cream. Customs officers also
checked multiple retail spots in various districts and found no such product
for sale so far.
They also issued a prohibition notice on the raided retailer,
prohibiting the continued sale of that whitening cream. Customs will arrange
testing for the whitening cream.
Mercury is banned from skin products because chronic
exposure to it can cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms may
include tremors, irritability, insomnia, memory deterioration, concentration
difficulty, impaired hearing and vision, and a change in the taste function. In
severe cases, kidney failure may occur.
In the statement, Customs reminded members of the public to
observe the following tips when purchasing and using beauty products:
- Do not buy or use beauty products of unknown composition or from doubtful sources;
- Stop using the beauty products and seek medical attention immediately if feeling unwell after use; and
- Purchase beauty products at reputable retail shops.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the statutory
requirements of the CGSO to protect the safety of consumers.
Under the CGSO, it is an offense to supply, manufacture or
import into Hong Kong consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general
safety requirements for consumer goods. The maximum penalty upon conviction is
a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and
$500,000 and imprisonment for two years on a subsequent conviction.
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Customs has been combating consistently the sale of products
that fall short of the CGSO. Law enforcement action will be taken immediately
if any violation of the CGSO is detected.
Members of the public with information relating to unsafe
consumer goods may make a report via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its
dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
