KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 – The Ministry of Health (MOH) has intensified its crackdown on misleading cosmetic advertisements, particularly those promoting products as “edible.” This trend raises serious health concerns, as cosmetics are strictly formulated for external use and contain ingredients that may be harmful if ingested. Despite claims of using “food-grade” ingredients, these products lack the necessary toxicological studies and regulatory approvals required for safe consumption.
The rise of deceptive marketing, fueled by social media, underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement and greater consumer awareness. The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) has taken decisive action, revoking product notifications of companies violating advertising guidelines. Under Malaysian regulations, cosmetics must not be marketed for ingestion, and any misleading claims are considered a violation of industry standards.
Consumers are urged to remain vigilant, verify product claims through NPRA’s QUEST system, and report deceptive advertisements. As beauty trends evolve, prioritizing safety over marketing hype is essential to safeguarding public health.
