"Detention Without Physical Examination Of Cosmetics Containing Illegal Colors"

This alert, which initially issued in 1985, was based on the detention of make- up kits with eye area cosmetics from Taiwan containing illegal color additives. Problems with eye make-up products and other cosmetic products have continued and the list of responsible firms has grown.



During the latter part of 1990, Cincinnati District sampled a shipment of cosmetics manufactured by A.Z. Nadar Cosmetics and Hair Products d/b/a Stargazer, London, England. Analysis of the samples, which included mascaras, eye dust, rouge, and lipstick, revealed the presence of prohibited FD&C Red #7 and FD&C Red #2, as well as other unidentified colors.



In 1993, analysis of an eye color compact collected by New York district revealed the presence of D&C Red, a delisted synthetic color additive.



In 1995 LOS-DO sampled and analyzed twenty samples of shampoo manufactured by CIA. Distribuidora Del Centro, San Jose GTO, Mexico in a six month time frame. Of the twenty samples, six were refused and nine were detained for undeclared colors. These samples all contained unsafe/illegal and/or undeclared colors. The unsafe/illegal colors included non-permitted external D & C Red #10, Ponceau 4R and other undeclared colors.

Districts ***may detain, without physical examination,*** shipments of identified products from firms identified in the Red List.



Districts ***may detain, without physical examination, *** all entries of eye make-up and make-up kits containing eye make-up from Taiwan except from those shippers identified in the Green List.



The method for color analysis is from AOAC's book Newburger's Manual of

Cosmetic Analysis 2nd edition, Chapter 19, "Determination of Colors in

Cosmetics" p.118. ***Fastips Issue #47, page 6, should also be consulted when analyzing for colors in shampoos, cream rinses and conditioners.***



For questions of issues concerning science, science policy, sample collections, analysis, preparation, or analytical methodology, contact the Division of Field Science at 301 796-6600.



All requests for removal from detention without physical examination should be address to DIOP 301-796-0356.

Cosmetics

"The article is subject to refusal of admission pursuant to Section 801(a)(3) in that it appears to contain a color additive which is unsafe within the meaning of Section 721(a) which renders it adulterated under Section 601(e)."



OASIS charge code - COSM COLOR