Following a recently issued decision, the Drug Administration of Vietnam, under the Ministry of Health, has instructed companies responsible for marketing these products to promptly notify their entire distribution networks of the recall, accept returned products, and destroy all affected shampoo batches. Companies must report their results to the administration by 20/7.

The regulatory agency has also revoked the four cosmetic product registration numbers previously issued for these items. Local health departments in the provinces where the companies are headquartered will directly oversee the recall and destruction process to ensure consumer safety.

The products recalled in this batch include two lines of Dermedic Capilarte Anti-dandruff shampoo, distributed by The Sunshine Import-Export Trading Company Limited and TTC-FRA Import-Export and Services Company Limited.

The remaining two products are Dermedic Capilarte Anti-dandruff shampoo and Galenia Skin Care Sebotic Anti-dandruff Shampoo, marketed by Sao Y Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company.

The reason for this urgent recall decision is that the shampoo formulations contain Clotrimazole. While Clotrimazole is a common antifungal active ingredient used in medicine for skin and mucous membranes, the ASEAN Cosmetic Committee agreed to add it to the list of substances prohibited in cosmetic products at its 43rd meeting in May.

"As a member of the ASEAN Cosmetic Agreement, Vietnam must recall all products containing this active ingredient to harmonize regulatory standards across the region," a representative from the administration stated.

To protect public health, the Ministry of Health advises consumers currently using these listed shampoo products to immediately discontinue use and contact retailers or points of sale for instructions on product returns and exchanges in accordance with current regulations.

One of the recalled product labels. Photo: Screenshot

Since the beginning of the year, the Ministry of Health has consistently recalled and destroyed substandard products. Yesterday, a pair of Hoa Xu Lang brand shampoo and conditioner products were also recalled because the cosmetic manufacturing facility of Ta Thi Hoa in Lang Son failed to meet current legal production requirements. This action comes as regulatory bodies tighten control over the pharmaceutical and cosmetic markets amid issues of counterfeit goods, substandard products, and false advertising.

Le Nga