日 화장품 브랜드, 한국서 피부 이상 제품 리콜

Published : Jul 4, 2013 - 16:09 Updated : Jul 4, 2013 - 16:09

일본 화장품 브랜드 가네보가 한국 등 아시아 10개국에서 피부 이상 우려가 있는 미백 화장품 45만개를 자진 회수한다.

4일 식품의약품안전처와 외신 등에 따르면 가네보는 이날 피부 백탁(흰 얼룩)을 유발한다는 우려가 제기된 미백 화장품 45만개를 한국, 홍콩, 태국, 싱가포르, 대만 등 아시아 10개국과 자국에서 회수키로 결정했다.

이번 회수 결정은 가네보의 미백 제품을 사용한 소비자들의 피부에 흰색 얼룩이 생기는 증상이 잇따라 나타난 데 따른 것이다.

회사는 자체 개발한 성분 4HPB가 흰 얼룩을 일으키는 원인으로 보인다고 추정했다.

국내 보건당국은 문제가 된 제품의 국내 수입물량과 상세한 회수 원인, 제품의 위해 가능성을 파악하고 있다.

김영옥 화장품정책과장은 “일본 보건당국이 아닌 업체의 자발적 회수 결정”이라며 “우선 국내 수입업체와 본사에 회수 결정 경위 등을 알아볼 것”이라고 말했다.

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Japan‘s Kanebo recalls cosmetics over skin stain fear

Japanese cosmetics maker Kanebo on Thursday announced it was recalling 54 skin whitening products from all over Asia after complaints they caused discolouring that does not clear up even after use was discontinued.

The cosmetics contain a substance called 4HPB, a synthetic version developed by Kanebo of a natural compound, the company said.

“Some consumers complained that they had white patches on their skin after using the products, and we suspect a link between the condition and 4HPB,” a spokeswoman said.

A company spokesman later told AFP there had been 39 complaints from customers in Japan.

Of those, 15 had shown no improvement in their conditions even after they stopped using the products, he said.

The company has shipped a total of 4.36 million products in Japan and is recalling 450,000 that have already been sold to consumers, as well as all inventory from the domestic market.

It will also recall products on sale abroad. A total of 370,000 items have been sent to overseas markets but at present it plans only to recall items that are on sale.

The recall affects Japan and 10 Asian territories: Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Taiwan is the largest overseas market for the products, a Kanebo spokesman said.

“The problem was initially thought to be a type of skin disease, but there was a growing concern for a link to 4HPB” which led the company to recall the products, the spokesman said.

Skin whitening products are popular among women all over east Asia, with users seeking lighter tones. (AFP)