Assessing the labeling of the hair products sold in Sao Paulo

Abstract

The RDC Resolution No 07 of February 10, 2015, provides the mandatory labeling
and the electronic procedures for regulating the personal hygiene products,
cosmetics and perfumes. The sanitary regularization of the Grade 1 cosmetic
products, exempt from registration at the National Health Surveillance Agency
(Anvisa), has been carried out electronically. The product holder has to have the
supporting data for attesting the products quality, safety and efficacy, and the
labeling statements are of the sole responsibility of the manufacturer. The Grade
2 products are of specific indications, whose properties demand security and/
or efficacy, and also the information, the care, and the way of using. Grade 2
products which has to be registered on the ANVISA are: products for children use,
sunscreens, insect repellents, products for smoothing and/or dyeing hair and hand
antiseptic gel, as they have specific indications, whose characteristics require
proofs of safety and/or effectiveness. The objective of this study is to disclose
the main irregularities found in labels of hair products, which were sent to the
Adolfo Lutz Institute, in 2015, by the Institute of Criminology, São Paulo and by
the Municipal and State Sanitary Surveillance. Of 131 samples, 74 (56.5 %) were
satisfactory and 57 (43.5 %) unsatisfactory. The main irregularities were: products
without notification, holding the bar code (EAN) of another manufacturer, and
with label differing from that notified to Anvisa. In conclusion, the products
of this category, although classified as no potential risk products, they require
a better supervision by the sanitary authorities in order to control the practice
of falsification and/or adulteration of these products. When manufacturers sell
irregular products, they commit a sanitary infraction, as they do not comply with
the normative technical requirements.