Page 24 - HPIC E-Magazine (January-2021)

News from Abroad

PRODUCT SAFETY
‘Excessive’ levels of allergenic fragrances found

in EU cosmetics

‘Excessive’ levels of allergy-in- Perfume products ‘least compliant’ related to allergenic fragrances
ducing fragrances have been disco- The study found that perfumes found in the study were due to the

vered in cosmetic products sold in the were the “least compliant with legis- presence of linalool, benzyl alcohol

EU, according to a study by the lative requirements,” finding 41% and limonene – ingredients that,
European Network of Official Cosmetics of tested samples contained aller- by law, had to be listed on labels
Control Laboratories (OCCLs). The genic compounds. It also showed when present above a certain thres-
study, curated by the European Direc- that “the most common problems” hold.
torate for the Quality of Medicines &
Healthcare (EDQM) of the Council of
Europe, was carried out on 932 sam- OQEMA boosts flavour & fragrance
ples of cosmetic products between portfolio with acquisition
2018 and 2020 including perfumes,
deodorants and skin, hair and lip care
items for the presence of 24 allergenic German chemical distributor, successfully managed Claus Nitsche
fragrance compounds. Of the total OQEMA Group, has announced the & Sohn for the past eleven years
items sampled, 544 were marketed as acquisition of Claus Nitsche & Sohn and will be co-leading the company
‘perfume-free’. Cosmetic items were GmbH, also based in Germany. in the future, said, “Nitsche will
collected in eight countries at vari- initially act independently within
ous stages of the distribution chain, With over 60 years in the industry, the OQEMA Group, combining the
including customs, retail, online and Claus Nitsche & Sohn GmbH focuses long-lasting expertise in the field of
directly from manufacturers. on essential oils, natural flavours and organic-certified essential oils and
fragrances ingredients. OQEMA said conventional natural essential oils
Findings showed “some cosmetic the acquisition is a “perfect comple- as well as natural aromatic isolates
products sold throughout Europe still ment to its flavour & fragrance range”. with the international network of
contain excessive levels of allergy-in- customers and suppliers of the OQEMA
ducing fragrances.” The study found Mr. Morton Schmidt, who has Group.’
7.7% of samples were non-compliant
with legislative requirements due Solvay to sell amphoteric surfactant
to a missing or false declaration of
allergenic fragrance compounds. business to OpenGate Capital
Moreover, 3.1% of products marketed
as ‘perfume-free’ contained fragrance
compounds. Belgium’s Solvay has agreed to “This agreement represents an-
sell its North American and Euro- other critical step in the execution of
Most of the products sampled pean amphoteric surfactant busi- our strategic plan as we further focus
(85%) had been manufactured in ness to OpenGate Capital, a private our home & personal care portfolio on

Europe, though overall 34 different equity firm with headquarters in Los growing speciality formulations and
countries of production were identified. Angeles, USA. The sale includes custom solutions,” commented Mr.
“Ensuring compliance of cosmetic the three main production sites Michael Radossich, President of Sol-
products is key to avoiding potential supporting the amphoteric product vay’s Novecare global business unit.
health risks. The problems revealed lines located in Illinois (USA), Gen-
by this study demonstrate the con- thin (Germany), Halifax, (UK), and In OpenGate Capital, Solvay has
tinuing need for close co-operation a tolling business in Turkey. The identified a strong buyer for the
between Official Cosmetics Control agreement also includes tolling and North American Solvay said the sale
Laboratories, in the interest of public service agreements between Solvay will generate additional resources for
health in Europe,” said Ms. Susanne and OpenGate to ensure a seamless it to invest in strategic growth seg-
Keitel, director of the EDQM/Council transition and minimal customer ments as part of its portfolio simplifi-
of Europe. disruption. cation journey.
24 Home, Personal & Institutional Care India January 2021