Lazada recalls toxic products from site

MANILA, Philippines – Online shopping retailer Lazada Philippines has removed from its site the products containing banned substances following an EcoWaste Coalition report.

Environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition said on Sunday, March 22, that it found on Lazada and OLX sites several beauty and slimming products banned by health authorities.

EcoWaste Coalition said the following beauty products containing mercury have been found on lazada.com.ph:

• Angel Placenta Whitening Cream
• JJJ Magic Spots Removing Day and Night Cream

These banned slimming products were also found on sale on Lazada:

• Brazilian Slimming Coffee
• Leisure Burn Body Fat Orange Juice
• Leisure 18 Slimming Coffee
• Sehat Badan Powder

The group said mercury in skin whitening products may damage the skin, the brain and the central nervous system and the kidneys. Amphetamine, sibutramine, and steroids in slimming products may cause severe health reactions, including increased cardiovascular risks.

In a statement on Monday, March 23, Lazada said the contaminated products were sold through Marketplace, the firm’s e-commerce platform allowing third-party sellers to list their products in the Philippines.

Lazada stressed that it expects its trusted merchants to be fully compliant with local laws and regulations.

It also added that it requests for Food and Drug Administration permits from merchants. In cases where non-compliant products are detected, Lazada immediately de-lists the products from its site.

“We have a zero tolerance policy and will remove any sellers not abiding by our guidelines,” Lazada said in a statement.

Apart from removing the products from its site, it is also issuing a full refund to affected customers.

The firm said that they are already reaching out to customers who have bought the contaminated products.

Customers who have any questions or concerns can contact its customer service team at (+632) 795 8900. – Rappler.com