Have you ever bought some traditional medicine or some cheap makeup in Bali and wondered whether it’s really regulated?
It’s possible it wasn’t.
Bali’s BPOM (food and drug monitoring agency) has secured 41 types of traditional medicine and cosmetics, making for a total of 4,272 pieces confiscated, that are not authorized for marketing or contain ingredients that are prohibited, reports kabar24.com.
Endang Widowati, head of BPOM Denpasar says that these medicines and cosmetics in question were found throughout Denpasar, Klungkung, and Bangli during September 2015.
“The traditional medicines contained chemicals, when traditional medicine should not contain any chemicals. Drugs that contain chemicals must be based on a doctor’s prescription,” Widowati explained on Friday.
But it gets worse, especially if you’re someone who goes for the cheap makeup.
“Cosmetics also contained mercury, which can cause kidney failure and damage to the nerves of the brain,” Widowati said. Yikes.
All the traditional medicine and cosmetics confiscated reach an estimated total of Rp. 75.8 million, according to Kabar24.
“In addition to making arrests on the manufacturer or distributors, we will also provide counseling to consumers so that they are more cautious in buying drugs and cosmetics that suit their individual needs,” Widowati said.
The BPOM head added that consumers should be meticulous in checking the packaging when shopping for medicine and cosmetics.
Montalin and Prono Jiwo were two of the medication names made public by BPOM.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
