U.S. Animal Testing Ban a Focus for 2015

Following European and Indian bans on animal-tested cosmetics, a bigger push will be made to ban animal testing for cosmetics in the United States in 2015. According to a report by ABC News, Don Beyer, a democrat from Virginia, will take the lead on this issue when Congress reconvenes in January. Legislation was introduced in May 2014 to prohibit animal testing for cosmetics, as well as the sale of cosmetics tested on animals, or whose components were tested on animals. To date, more than 140 cosmetic companies have reportedly endorsed the bill, including Paul Mitchell, the Body Shop and LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics.

According to the report, the Personal Care Products Council referred to an earlier statement by John Hurson, its executive vice president for government affairs, who said this legislation reinforces the industry's "longstanding commitment to ultimately eliminate the need to conduct animal testing" on cosmetics. While manufacturers are not required to test cosmetics on animals to ensure their safety, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises manufacturers to employ whatever testing is appropriate and effective.