Health Canada says it will reach out to retail store Claire’s once again, after a new report that its makeup products may contain asbestos.
In a statement to Global News, the health agency wrote that it tested Claire’s makeup for asbestos after initial reports emerged in December 2017, and found that the products were safe to use.
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“Upon learning of the initial report, Health Canada contacted Claire’s who confirmed that the products had been removed from retail outlets until the completion of further investigation by the company,” the statement read.
“Test results provided by Claire’s, along with Health Canada’s own testing, did not identify any health or safety concerns regarding asbestos. In light of these new reports, Health Canada is contacting the company to determine if additional actions are warranted,” the statement concluded.
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The most recent allegations that the products contain the cancer-causing substance come from a consumer watchdog called the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG).
On its website, the group wrote that it tested 15 makeup products, and found that three — a contour palette, shadow and highlight finishing kit, and compact powder — contain asbestos.
Claire’s wrote in an email to Global News that customer safety is of “paramount concern” to the company and it stands by its products.
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“Claire’s categorically denies that the testing by STAT, relied upon by PIRG, is accurate,” the statement read.
The company added that the testing methods used by PIRG are not reliable. It said the products have gone through more substantive investigations carried out with the support of groups such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada and European Union agencies.
READ MORE: Claire’s pulls makeup sets from shelves after asbestos allegedly found in products
“This extensive testing conducted by four separate laboratories has confirmed that these cosmetics products do not contain asbestos,” the company’s statement read.
It added that the talc used in its makeup products is sourced “certified asbestos-free” and is used by many other well-known makeup companies.
Concerns over the contents of its makeup products are just one problem plaguing the retail company. Reports circulating this month have suggested that the company is preparing to file for bankruptcy.
— With a file from The Canadian Press
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