Stoking controversy over its decision to sponsor the Kelantan state football team might pale in comparison to the media attention Qu Puteh will get now: The Health Ministry of Brunei has imposed an immediate ban on the sale of two of the popular brand’s health and cosmetics products.
The tiny sultanate’s health ministry oredered shops and online retailers to stop selling three products, two of which are made by Qu Puteh: Chantique Beauty Slimming Herbal capsules, Qu Puteh Kosmetik Whitening Pro 9 cream, and Qu Puteh Kosmetik Whitening UV Block.
The two Qu Puteh products are alleged to contain mercury, which can cause rashes, memory loss, muscle weakness and damage to the brain and kidneys with prolonged exposure. Mercury is also toxic to unborn babies.
The Brunei Times reported yesterday that the ban, imposed under Brunei’s Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations 2007, carries with it the threat of a 5,000 Brunei Dollar fine, one year in prison, or both for anyone importing and marketing the three products.
In response, founder of Qu Puteh’s parent company Vida Beauty Sdn Bhd, Dr Hasmiza Othman announced today that both the Whitening Pro 9 and Whitening UV Block creams would be recalled from the Bruneian and Malaysian markets, effective immediately.
“I will reexamine both products closely. What is most important to us is the health of our customers,” she said, asquoted by Berita Harian.
“I hope consumers will not lose faith in us, or be driven into a panic. We have never encountered this problem before.”
