FDA Warns Brazilian Blowout

Brazilian Blowout, has received its first official warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has stated that the products are “adulterated” and misbranded. The company has until Sept. 12 to comply with the FDA’s directives, otherwise the products could be taken off U.S. shelves and further injunctions could be filed against the company. The FDA is asking Brazilian Blowout to reduce the level of formaldehyde from its products and change its misleading labels and advertising, which state that the products are formaldehyde-free.

The FDA conducted its own sample analysis of the product, and found dangerously high levels of the liquid form of formaldehyde, ranging from 8.7-10.4%. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires an occupational hazard alert at levels higher than 0.1%. Formaldehyde, commonly found in a number of “Brazilian style” keratin-based hair straighteners, is a known carcinogen. The FDA reports that salon workers and consumers have already reported a number of injuries to the FDA, including eye disorders, nervous system disorders, respiratory tract problems, chest pain, vomiting and rash.

Michael Roosevelt, acting director in the FDA’s Office of Compliance states in the letter to the company, “Brazilian Blowout is an adulterated cosmetic because it bears or contains a deleterious substance that may render it injurious to users under the conditions of use prescribed in your labeling.”He continues, “Brazilian Blowout contains the liquid form of formaldehyde, methylene glycol; however, the product label declares that the product contains ‘No Formaldehyde’ or is ‘Formaldehyde Free.’ This declaration renders your product misbranded because it is a false and misleading statement.”