Beauty saloons under Health Ministry's microscope
by Ananda KANNANGARA
The Health Ministry will conduct awareness programs for cosmetic
manufacturers, importers and those working in beauty saloons on
substandard cosmetic products.
The program will be launched in Colombo on November 1, on a directive
by Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena. The objective is to create an
awareness on beauty saloon parlours countrywide, local cosmetic
manufacturers and importers to be cautious on the use of substandard
facial and similar products.
Many local pharmaceutical companies import low quality cosmetics,
devices and related items without adhering to the guidelines on quality
cosmetic products laid down by the National Cosmetic Devices and
Regulatory Authority.
The Health Ministry has expressed concern over this matter following
the death of a female school teacher who went for a facial treatment at
a beauty saloon in Negombo a few weeks ago. It has not been established
as yet whether the particular facial cream was harmful or outdated.
A similar incident was reported a few years ago in a foreign country
where a popular Sri Lankan female singer died after inhaling substandard
dye before using it.
Health Minister Sirisena has also advised officials of the Ministry's
flying squad to check unregistered beauty saloons and take action
against those beauty parlours.
The flying squad will also ascertain whether proper standards are
maintained and wcheck the date of expiry of facial products that are
used by beauty parlours as outdated products could pose a health hazard.
A large number of young females who have barely two to three months'
experience in beauty culture, run beauty saloons at their residences
without realising the gravity of using unregistered and harmful cosmetic
substances.
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