EcoWaste Coalition calls for crackdown on fake cosmetics in the Philippines

The call comes after the watchdog found seven beauty and herbal vendors at the Guadalupe Commercial Complex selling cosmetics that had been banned by the Food and Drug Administration.

Beauty brands Erna, Jiaoli and S’zitang were among the skin whitening creams found to have dangerously high levels of mercury.

“To curb this illegal trade of dangerous products that had no FDA notification, we request the Makati government seize the unregistered items, issue formal warning against non-compliant vendors and/or shut retail outlets engaged in such illicit business,​” says Ecowaste project coordinator Thony Dizo.

In-organic mercury in face cream is absorbed following application to the skin and toxic levels in the body can develop gradually with prolonged use.

The signs and symptoms of mild to moderate toxicity due to exposure in skin lightening products may include nervousness and irritability, difficulty with concentration, headache, tremors, memory loss, depression, insomnia, weight loss, fatigue, numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or around the lips.

Nanotech tracker to change how the industry tackles counterfeit goods​

Sydney-based YPB Group announced last year that it had bought tracer patents developed by China's Dalian Maritime University to pair with its own scanners to determine counterfeit goods.

The Australian company claims the cheap tool will initially change how the industry will tackle fake goods from China.

The nanotech tracer is invisible to the naked eye and can only be read by a YPB-developed scanner that costs about $35. The material can be applied to any product and costs less than 50¢. 

According to John Houston, chief executive YPB Group; "Only two people in the world know the tracer formula." ​

PB Group also acquired Brand Reporter, a US-based start-up that developed a platform for companies to identify and track counterfeit products in the supply chain and at retail points.  

"The tracer can be put into fibers, plastics and inks to determine a product's authenticity​," Mr Houston said.