Experts have raised concerns about the presence of questionable cosmetic products on the UK market via Amazon. A parliamentary committee has delved into the unregulated cosmetics industry in the UK, highlighting products like a skin cream derived from poisonous frogs.
During a session with the Science, Innovation, and Technology Committee, it was revealed that Kambo, a potentially harmful substance extracted from giant monkey frogs, is among the products being distributed by unauthorized vendors. Richard Knight, overseeing cosmetics and beauty at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, expressed worries about unregulated sellers exploiting the Amazon platform, jeopardizing British consumers.
One alarming example highlighted was Kambo, a skincare product sourced from secretions of Amazonian tree frogs by scraping their skin. This substance, historically used in shamanic rituals, has been linked to severe health issues such as fatalities, seizures, liver damage, and heart problems. Despite claims, Amazon stated that it does not retail Kambo.
Knight further emphasized the risks associated with UV nail gels, skin lighteners, and various dubious products labeled as “snake oil.” These items, some originating from the US, may contain ingredients not approved in the UK due to different regulatory standards.
The committee session also touched on a controversial practice where nocturnal tree frogs in the Amazon rainforest are captured, stressed to extract toxic mucus, and then released. Applying Kambo to the skin is highly perilous and can lead to severe poisoning, with reported cases of deaths in Australia related to this ancient ritual promoted as alternative therapy.
Regarding the influx of questionable products, Knight pointed out Amazon as a major conduit for overseas sellers evading scrutiny. He highlighted the challenges of monitoring and removing such products effectively, likening the process to a continuous game of whack-a-mole.
In a related campaign by the Mirror to Ban the Cosmetic Cowboys, instances of Britons suffering from sepsis and fatalities due to cosmetic procedures like tummy tucks and Brazilian butt lifts were highlighted. The discussion also touched on extreme practices like leg lengthening surgeries and controversial procedures like injecting fillers into the penis for cosmetic enhancements.
The government is under pressure to bolster regulations in the cosmetic industry to curb the proliferation of unsafe practices. Health Minister Karin Smith faced tough questions about potential legislative changes to address harmful procedures, emphasizing the need for proportionate measures to safeguard public health.
Amazon defended its safety protocols, stating that all products on their platform must conform to legal requirements and undergo thorough vetting processes to mitigate risks of fraudulent or harmful items being offered for sale.
