The Drug Administration has ordered a nationwide recall of Rice Milk Facial Cleanser, batch number 002. This specific batch, manufactured on 22/9/2024 with a three-year shelf life, was distributed by New Trend Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Co., Ltd. and produced by Phuc An Khang Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Co., Ltd. Branch.

The recall was initiated after tests revealed undeclared preservatives in the product. The issue came to light when the Testing Center under the Lao Cai Provincial Department of Health sampled the product. Laboratory results showed the presence of Methylparaben and Propylparaben, two preservatives not listed in the product's official declaration dossier. Additionally, the Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice used in the formulation contained Sodium benzoate and Potassium sorbate, which were also not declared in the product announcement form.

The regulatory body concluded that the "circulating product's formula did not match the declared dossier". Consequently, the Drug Administration mandated an immediate halt to the sale and use of the affected batch, ordering its nationwide recall for destruction. Both New Trend Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Co., Ltd. and Phuc An Khang Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Co., Ltd. Branch are required to review other production batches and submit a report by early march.

This recall is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Health, which has been consistently recalling and destroying substandard products since early january. This intensified scrutiny reflects the authorities' tightening control over the pharmaceutical and cosmetic markets, aiming to combat counterfeit goods, poor quality items, and misleading advertising. Just yesterday, the Drug Administration announced the recall of 131 cosmetic products from manufacturers that failed to meet regulatory conditions.

Vietnam's cosmetic market, estimated by Statista to reach over 2,4 billion USD in 2024, presents significant challenges for quality management, with 90% of products being imported.

Le Nga