Liikanen calls for tougher labelling rules for cosmetics over allergy fear

Date: 28/06/01

By Peter Chapman

THE European Commission plans tougher rules for the labelling of cosmetics in response to warnings from scientists about the risk of allergic reactions triggered by chemicals in products such as hair dye and perfume.

Per Haugaard, a spokesman for industry chief Erkki Liikanen, said the new rules would force firms to clearly label ingredients which are known to cause serious allergic reactions.

He said: "This is to ensure that consumers get the information they need regarding allergies or other side effects. On labelling we are talking about the use of messages such as 'keep out of reach of children', 'can cause blindness' and 'can cause an allergic reaction'. For the bulk of products, the latter warning will be used."

At the same time, some of the ingredients known to cause contact allergies - such as lithium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide - will be banned from perfumes or products containing them.

The new rules, to be unveiled before August, are based on the findings of the EU's committee of scientific experts on cosmetic and non-food products for consumers. "The committee says fragrance ingredients are one of the most prevalent causes of contact allergy," said Haugaard.

However, the draft law will not cover use of peanut and other nut oils in products, claimed by UK researchers to be potentially fatal in some cases.

The European Commission plans tougher rules for the labelling of cosmetics in response to warnings from scientists about the risk of allergic reactions triggered by chemicals in products such as hair dye and perfume.