TDOH warns public off tainted cosmetic products

The new development follows a series of similar incidents in recent months, but contrary to initial expectations, the skin care goods were manufactured in Taiwan, not China, by Pei Chia Enterprise, Ltd., a local drug company.

Clindamycin was found in three of Pei Chia’s skin care products: Anti-Acne Skin Synergy Huile Essentielle, Anti-Acne Skin Synergy with Herbal Essences, and Anti-Acne Skin Toner.

The drug has a long range of applications, from benign infections to malaria.

It is also a common topical treatment for acne that can cause germ resistance and skin irritation if used without medical supervision, a TDOH official said.

“Last January, we asked 53 drug stores located in Taipei City’s busiest districts to take three cosmetic products off the shelves that reportedly containing antibiotics,” said TDOH Chief of Food and Drug Division Chiang Yu-mei.

Chiang added that Taipei City Prosecutor Office has already made instructions on the case. Based on current legislation, an offender can face 10 years in prison and a fine of up to NT$10 million.

As of yesterday, the company’s Web site (http://www.bioger.com.tw/) was shut down, and its offices declined to respond to media queries.

All three products were pricy, as Pei Chia had claimed they were imported directly from Germany.

“None of the three are sold in Taipei anymore,” Chiang said.

“Taipei’s Department of Health will adopt all necessary measures against offenders selling them on the Internet,” she added.

Sales of health and cosmetic products have grown by double-digits in recent years, as Taiwan customers have attached growing importance to such beauty care products.

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