Ban sought on tests of cosmetic on animals

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has written to Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss requesting him to ban cruel and archaic tests of cosmetics on animals.

In the letter dated Feb 7, they said that they want to draw his attention to the pain and distress suffered by countless animals used to test cosmetics.

We have written to the ministry drawing their attention towards the pain and distress suffered by countless animals used to test cosmetics and also suggested the superior methods of testing the cosmetics by using them, the letter by Dharmesh Solanki, senior vivisection campaign coordinator stated.

The letter named some of the cosmetic companies as well those who do not conduct any animal test for testing their product.

Cosmetics' tests on animals have been roundly criticized, not only for the barbarity of the tests but also because results gleaned from cosmetic tests on animals are qualitative rather than quantitative in nature, the letter stated.

Such companies commonly use animals in tests for eye and skin irritation, skin absorption and phototoxicity. While these tests cause acute, protracted suffering for the animals involved, none of these tests have ever been validated to ensure that the results obtained accurately reflect human response.

As per European Union directive, there will be a complete ban on the testing of cosmetics on animals within the EU from the year 2009, including a ban on the marketing of cosmetics products tested on animals. This aims at preventing the sale of cosmetics that have been tested outside the EU by European or non-European companies, Solanki's letter said.

The Indian Council for Medical Research has agreed to the suggestions and promised to endorse them in future.kbd/ks/rd/jg

(311 Words)17062018NNNN (IANS)

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