EcoWaste Lauds OLX for Removing Ads of Banned Mercury-Laced Skin Whitening Cosmetics

(PNA) — The EcoWaste Coalition Wednesday lauded OLX Philippines for the removal of classifieds selling skin whitening cosmetics banned by the government for containing toxic mercury.

Lazada.ph, another online shopping site, had earlier removed similar advertisements following a report by the EcoWaste Coalition late last month that some proscribed skin whitening and slimming products are being sold online.

“We are glad and relieved to know that ads offering banned BG, Erna, JJJ, Jiaoli and S’Zitang skin whitening creams are no longer posted on OLX.ph, a popular buy and sell website,” said Thony Dizon, EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect coordinator.

“If you search for these products in OLX.ph, you would now get ‘no advertisement results’ or ‘the advertisement posted in this page is under a category that has been removed,’ in conformity with their policy,” he said.

“We’re also pleased that an ad of Miss Beauty skin whitening spray, recently banned by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) for containing toxic lead, has been removed,” he added.

“OLX.ph’s action will protect online shoppers from being deceived and exposed to injurious cosmetics,” he said.

According to company’s website, “non-FDA approved health and beauty products are not allowed from being posted on OLX.ph.”

Also,“all advertisements must comply with all product registrations and licensing requirements as may be required under applicable by laws, rules and regulations before they are allowed to be posted,” the OLX.ph stated.

While commending the OLX.ph for the step taken, the EcoWaste Coalition urged the company to take further action to ensure that other non-compliant ads are removed at once, particularly beauty and health products, including slimming coffee and juice, with no market authorization from the FDA. (PNA) FFC/PR/EBP