BPOM seized 27,233 illegal cosmetics

Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan 2/5 (AntaranewsKalsel) - Central Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) seized 27,233 cosmetics and traditional medicines or illegal herbs without distribution authorization.

"The economic value of the confiscated 414 items of cosmetic and drugs reached Rp438,259,700," said Head of BPOM Banjarmasin Mahdalena in Banjarmasin on Tuesday.

She said the evidence was obtained when BPOM held a special market operations targeting cosmetic products and traditional medicines containing hazardous substances or medicinal chemicals.

BPOM officials examined 20 facilities such as markets and shops in five districts and cities in South Kalimantan. Nine in Banjarmasin, one in Banjar district, one in Tanah Laut, five facilities in North Hulu Sungai, and four in Tabalong.

During the 10 days of operation from the third and fourth weeks of April to early May 2017, there were 20 store owners or distributors who were caught selling cosmetics without authorization.

There were 18 shopkeepers or distributors due to their actions are given administrative sanctions in the form of warning and seizure or destruction of goods. While two other facilities were followed up with pro justitia to the owners.

"The two owners of the criminally charged facility are in Banjarmasin and Banjar, one seller has 63 items with 10,772 packs and economic value of Rp 168,045,000. The other has 227 items with 13,894 packs worth Rp 240,083,000," she explained.

According to Mahdalena, the seller who was forced to be courted because of proven for the second time was caught selling illegal products as well as with considerable economic value.

While other sellers who were given administrative sanctions for the first time doing the illegal and the products they were selling not too much or only small traders not distributors.

"All the products were brought from Java Island, and we find well-known brands like Pond`s and Citra. These brands are clearly falsified because the producers themselves do not produce the goods we confiscate," she said.

To the public, BPOM always reminds to be careful about every product sold in the market. Communities must be smart consumers by checking product information on their labels, ensuring that there is a BPOM distribution license and not exceeding the expiration date.

"Please check on the website of BPOM related to the authenticity of circulation permit listed on one product," said Mahdalena.