Government Funding Increase--A Step Toward Globalization?

Posted: August 13, 2007

The US House Committee on Appropriations recently approved a US$2 million increase for the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Office of Cosmetics and Colors. The Office of Cosmetics and Colors (OCAC), according to the FDA, has directed increasing efforts toward issues related to the cosmetic market on many levels--including internationally. 

The increase could establish a foundation leading to increased consumer confidence and, according to The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association's (CTFA) president and CEO Pamela Bailey, "capacity for enforcement, oversight and development of global safety standards for personal care products."

"We are pleased that the House Committee on Appropriations voted to increase FDA funding for consumer protection," said Bailey, in a press announcement. "Our products literally touch nearly every American every day. Through strong regulatory oversight, made possible by this $2 million increase, consumer confidence in the safety of their products will remain high."

She added that consumer safety is the priority of more than 1,000 cosmetic and personal care product companies and that over the years, these companies have worked with the FDA to establish a partnership in which companies go beyond the requirements of the law to provide additional safety and technical resources and information.

"[CTFA's] strong partnership with FDA has been put at risk because the Office of Cosmetics and Colors has shrunk to an insufficient level," commented Bailey, in the press statement. "This increase will enhance consumer protections and provide the cosmetics office with much needed inspectors and compliance officers. ... This funding increase [also] will allow critical FDA participation in international discussions to develop the best and most encompassing global protections and regulations for consumers everywhere."