Excessive level of bacteria was detected in certain baby bath products in the market.
In a recent test, the Consumer Council found two baby bath products - out of 50 samples specifically catering for babies and children - to contain "aerobic bacterial count" significantly higher than the limit set for children's cosmetic products.
One baby bath sample was detected to contain a bacterial count of 7,300 CFU/g (colony forming units per gram) whilst a baby shampoo sample had 30,000 CFU/g.
Both samples exceeded substantially the 500 CFU/g limit for children's cosmetics set in the Mainland's Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics (2007).
The use of unhygienic bath products on areas of open wounds, near the eyes or genital areas could result in higher risk of infection, especially for those who are suffering from eczema or other skin diseases. The more bacteria a product contains the higher the chances of infection.
In the test, 11 samples were detected with trace amount of 1, 4-dioxane and 4 samples with free formaldehyde, though in all cases, the level of contamination was within the standard or recommended safety limit.
All samples were free of the heavy metals of mercury, lead and arsenic.
The Consumer Council is, however, critical of the lack of vital labelling information on expiry dates and ingredients in the labelling of some samples.
It was found that out of the 50 samples, only 6 spelt out clearly both the expiry dates and period after opening. 3 showed the manufacture date and shelf life. 8 indicated the manufacture date and expiry date, 19 labelled the expiry date and another 2 labelled the manufacture date. The rest (12 out of 50 samples) used either a code which is indecipherable to consumers or just the period after opening which gave no idea when they were manufactured or would expire.
Expiry dates information is considered crucial to enable consumers to use the products in a timely manner, and to avoid using products that may have deteriorated.
On the labelling of ingredients, 12 samples were found not having a comprehensive ingredient list. Ingredient information is important to people allergic to certain substances. Parents are advised to pay attention to whether their children develop skin allergic reaction after using bath products.
In the absence of mandatory labelling of such information on baby bath products, suppliers are urged to do so voluntarily to safeguard the interests of consumers.
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