Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) removed 1,200 ointments for fixing or styling hair from circulation this Friday (30). The measure, says the agency, integrates actions to guarantee safe products, as established in current legislation.
Since the beginning of the year, around 3,000 products have been removed from the market for not meeting requirements established by the agency. Between last Monday (25) and Tuesday (26), more than 100 people were admitted to the ophthalmological emergency at the Hospital Municipal Souza Aguiar, in Rio, with corneal burns caused by the use of a brand of ointment.
According to the Rio Health Department, those injured were people who had their hairstyles fixed with the product. When they wet their hair, the water with the chemical ingredient ran into their eyes, causing irritation.
According to the ophthalmological emergency department at Souza Aguiar Hospital, around 70 patients arrive at the hospital each day with the same complaints. Anvisa reported that it is investigating the case.
Reason for cancellation
Anvisa listed new rules that need to be complied with by brands that wish to sell the product based on the decree – published on the 22nd.
The brands that were canceled, says the agency, do not comply with the new rules in force. To return to the market, they will need to apply for a new license, proving that they comply with the requirements now established.
According to the rule established by the body, companies are prohibited from doing the following:
- Declare the physical form of the product as “ointment”.
- Include the term “ointment” in the name or labeling, in any language.
- Have a formulation with 20% or more ethoxylated alcohols, including Ceteareth-20.
- Do not offer at least one damage containment product in case of an adverse reaction.
See which ones are released
Since the rule, all products are subject to analysis by Anvisa, and companies that sell products without authorization will be penalized for a health crime.
Additionally, a list of all products that are currently licensed and considered safe was released (click here and check it out).