China’s FDA recalls skin care product by Shiseido-backed manufacturer

Pure & Mild’s Loquat Skin Juice Refresher was found to have violated rules stated in the Administrative Provisions on Cosmetic Labelling as it was packaged to look like a beverage and had terms such as “fresh and juicy” on its labels, stated the CFDA.

The authorities were concerned that the packaging and labelling would mislead children to consumer the product, even though the bottles do state that they are cosmetic products and not beverages.

“There are potential safety hazards, which violates the relevant provisions that cosmetics labels should not use words, graphics and symbols to mislead consumers,” the CFDA said in a statement.

“Consumers are advised to pay attention to product packaging and labelling when purchasing cosmetics to avoid accidental drinking and eating,” it added.

Swept off the shelves

The product manufacturer Shanghai Zotos Citic Cosmetics Co. Ltd, which was established under the Shiseido Group to develop products exclusively for Chinese consumers, was ordered by the CFDA to stop producing and selling the product and four others for the same reason.

The product and its other variations, orange, apricot, raspberry, and yuzu, are no longer available for purchase on its website, nor can it be found on local e-commerce retailers like Tmall.

A statement posted onto the Pure & Mild website confirmed that it had halted production of the five products, and recalled all products on shelves on August 29, a day after CFDA’s notice.

No formulation issues 

In its online statement, the company went onto remind consumers that the Pure & Mild Skin Juice Refresher line was only recalled by the government due to packaging issues, and that there was nothing wrong with the formulation of Skin Juice Refresher or any of their other products.

Pure & Mild concluded its statement by ensuring consumers that it would continue to provide their consumers with high quality product regardless of the current setback.