Bandung, West Java (ANTARA) - The Bandung Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has seized nearly four thousand illegal cosmetics without distribution permits and having expired after checking 30 sales locations and cosmetic distributors.

Head of BPOM Bandung Sukriadi Darma said a total of 3,826 pieces of cosmetics were seized from 182 types of cosmetics. They were secured from agents, salons, and beauty clinics.

"There are three categories, specifically, cosmetics whose expiry date had passed, cosmetics without a local distribution permit, and without an import distribution permit," Darma remarked at the BPOM Bandung Office, here, on Wednesday.

He noted that thousands of cosmetics were secured from eight regions: Bandung City, Bandung District, Cimahi City, West Bandung District, Karawang District, Subang District, Purwakarta District, and Bekasi City.

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The cosmetics seized mostly came from Karawang District, with 2,178 pieces of illegal cosmetics, Darma noted.

Most of the items seized were locally produced cosmetics since there were many cosmetic producers, who did not comply with the provisions.

"Usually, they sell their products in the form of morning cream, afternoon cream, and evening cream. They claim their products are able to whiten the skin in a short time. This promotion surely attracts a lot of people," he stated.

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He noted that the presence of illegal cosmetic manufacturers was also driven by the high demand factor. In fact, illegal cosmetics could have a bad impact on public health. Hence, he reminded the public to not become careless in buying beauty products.

"Yesterday, we also found sellers in pharmacies in Sumedang. They produced beauty products containing drugs and then distributed it," Darma remarked.

He revealed that the thousands of cosmetics seized were worth Rp264 million. Darma also ensured that he would continue to conduct surveillance to minimize the circulation of illegal cosmetics that could potentially endanger the public.

"This can be dangerous, as it could cause skin cancer or it could become a permanent dark spot. It could also be dangerous for pregnant women and their fetuses," he cautioned.


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Translator: Bagus Ahmad R, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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