Cosmetics or Drugs? That is the Question the FDA are Clamping Down On
Introduction
Hi everybody, I saw an update a few days ago in “moneytalksnews.com” that really got me fired up.
I have been frustrated forever by the fact that the big companies that manufacture cosmetics (I will call them Pharma’s in this article) were allowed to “Cross the Line” into making claims that their products would treat or prevent diseases, something they are not allowed to do, but that they have been getting away with for many years. It seemed as though the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) the US regulator of drugs, and their counterparts in the developed world, were simply turning a blind eye.
One of the biggest claims is that their products can change your face from looking like that of an older person into a person 10, 20 or even 30 years younger, in no time at all. Well, if that was really true, they would be bigger than Google, Microsoft and Apple combined. As they are not, I assume that their claims are exaggerated or simply false.
So, if like me, you have concerns about the regulation of claims by manufacturers of cosmetics –i.e. that their products cure diseases – effectively deceiving the public and breaching the rules for cosmetic products; good news so does the FDA – and it’s about time.
FDA Announcement
The FDA announced this week that it’s sending warning letters to cosmetics companies whose non-drug products make claims that could only be true for products that should be classified as drugs.
According to “money talks news”, “examples of the drug claims made by non-drug cosmetics include:
- Treating medical conditions such as acne
- Treating dandruff
- Restoring hair
- Reducing inflammation
- Regenerating cells
- Preventing facial muscle contractions
- Reducing wrinkles by improving collagen production
- Providing the same results as prescription injections or surgery
These products make specific therapeutic claims that the FDA reviews to make sure they are accurate, according to FDA dermatologist Jane Liedtka.”
Conclusion
This initiative by the FDA is good news, but it will be interesting to see whether their strong words are translated into action. Unfortunately, the big Pharmas that develop and manufacture these types of products seem to have been above the law, on this and many other things. So will the FDA have what it takes to make a strong stand, or will the powerful forces that support the Pharmas win the day as usual?
We will be watching with interest, but well done FDA for taking a positive and public stance.
You can read the “Money Talks News” article here, and inside that article there is a link to a PDF published by the FDA that is definitely worth reading.
Please let me know what you think, and of you have any personal knowledge or experience, please let us know, so we can warn others before they fall into the same trap. Just post a comment below in the “Have Your Say” Box or by simply reply to this email.
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