Radioactive Substances Detected in Japanese Mascara

10 Items Including 'Furofushi Motemascara'

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 7th that radioactive substances thorium (Th-232) and uranium (U-238), which are prohibited from use, were detected in 10 cosmetic products including Japanese mascaras and eyeliners imported and sold by ITBEX International, leading to an immediate halt in sales and a recall of the products.

The products include seven mascara items such as 'Furofushi Motemascara' and three eyeliner items such as 'Furofushi Moterliner.' According to the Ministry, although radioactive substances, which are raw materials not allowed for use in cosmetics, were used in these products, the annual exposure dose safety standard (1mSv/y) under the Act on Safety Control of Radiation around Living Environments is at a very low level.

A Ministry of Food and Drug Safety official urged, "Consumers who purchased these products should return them to the importer or the place of purchase."

The Ministry plans to strengthen inspection at customs clearance stages for imported cosmetics in cooperation with the Korea Customs Service and the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, and to temporarily suspend sales and conduct focused collection and inspection if radioactive substances are detected. Additionally, importers will be required to conduct radiation tests on distributed products and investigate causes, with reinforced obligations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.