By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) on Friday urged consumers in possession of 50ml single-use neutralising shampoo contained in Dark and Lovely Moisture Plus Kits (Regular, and Super) and Dark and Lovely Anti Breakage Kit to immediately discontinue use of the product and return it to the point of sale for a full refund.
The manufacturer, Loreal informed the NCC that it has detected bacteria in 50ml single-use neutralizing shampoo in Dark & Lovely Moisture Plus Kits and Dark & Lovely Anti Breakage Kit which could lead to scalp infections in those with a compromised immune system.
In a statement, the NCC’s Deputy Commissioner Thezi Mabuza, said: “While this is single-use shampoo, we urge South Africans who might still have these products in their possession to stop use and return to the point of purchase for a full refund. According to the manufacturer, using this shampoo may lead to scalp infections in those with compromised immune systems.”
Attention consumers! pic.twitter.com/HS1j6Kj7NL
— The National Consumer Commission (NCC) (@TheNCC_RSA) June 7, 2024
The product, produced in April 2023, was distributed nationally, and exported to neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, Ghana, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Morocco, and Nigeria.
“The Consumer Protection Act requires that manufacturers and producers of products produce, and supply goods and products are of good quality and free of defects,” said Mabuza.
“We urge suppliers and manufacturers to always prioritise consumer safety, the Commission is monitoring the recall based on its Recall Guidelines.
A documentary aired on BBC in May, titled ‘Perfume’s Dark Secret’, accused the cosmetic industry of several human rights abuses.
L’Oreal were accused of using child labour in Egypt as part of their annual harvesting of jasmine in the country.
However, the French company claimed to have clamped down on any such practises prior to the documentarians highlighting the problem.
“We expect all our suppliers, including fragrance houses, to act in a responsible and ethical way. We always act immediately if we identify any problems in our supply chain,” stated L’Oreal via press release.
Together with Fair Labour Association and International Labour Organisation, L”Oreal have partnered with the Egyptian government and industry stakeholder to reinforce the Harvesting the Future initiative.