In response to the press release issued by Lembaga Konsumen Jakarta (Jakarta Consumers Foundation) on August 9, 2007 regarding toothpaste, liquid soap and shampoo products containing formalin, PT Unilever Indonesia, Tbk. as the producer of Pepsodent, Sunsilk, Lifebuoy and Clear shampoo explains the following, as stated by Josef Bataona, Corporate Relations & Human Resources Director PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk.:
Putting consumers health and safety as its first priority, Unilever at all times ensures that all of its products are safe to be used, in compliance with standard regulations by BPOM (Badan Pengawas Obat-obatan dan Makanan – the Indonesian FDA) and Health Ministry as well as other related authorities. Prior to being launched , all Unilever products undergo strict safety test procedures at Unilever Safety & Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC) in the UK. All procedures and testing process follow international standards.
Formaldehyde in very small amount is commonly used in cosmetic/personal care products around the world, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. The use of formaldehyde in cosmetic products is permitted by governments in many countries including The United States, Europe, Canada, South Africa as well as Indonesia. Used within the permitted level, it is safe for human health. The use of formaldehyde as preservative prevents the growth of germs in the products, which can damage the product especially in warm climates. Preservative is therefore important to keep the product safe during storing.
Government regulations in The European Union (EU Cosmetic Directive) and ASEAN (ASEAN Cosmetic Directive) permit the use of formaldehyde in toothpaste for up to 0.1 %, and for shampoo and soap for up to 0.2 %. This regulation is in line with BPOM regulation (Decree of Head of The National Agency of Drug and Food Control RI No. HK.00.05.4.1745, Attachment III "List of permitted preservatives to be used in cosmetic with conditions ...” no 38 : Formaldehid and paraformaldehid) .
Pepsodent contains formaldehyde of 0.04 % (0.016 % active), far below the permitted level. According to BPOM regulation, if the level of formaldehyde in the toothpaste is no higher than 0.05 % , it is no need to state warning note of ”contain formaldehid” on the packaging. Meanwhile, Unilever’s shampoo products contain formaldehyde of 0.04% (0.04 % active) and Unilever liquid soap containsformaldehyde of 0.1% (0.04% active), both are far below the permitted level (Please find the attached detailed formaldehyde percentage in Unilever products).
All ingredients in Unilever products has been acknowledged and approved by BPOM, as also the content and level of formaldehyde in Unilever personal care products, which is far below the permitted level ,making them safe to use as well as effective.
