Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the safety of talc in cosmetic products.

Talc is permitted for use in cosmetics. However, to be sold on the UK market, cosmetics must undergo a safety assessment performed by a qualified safety assessor. The assessment is then reviewed by the manufacturer’s nominated “Responsible Person”, whose role is to ensure that cosmetics are safe and comply with the law.

If an unacceptable health risk is identified with talc, its status as a permitted ingredient in cosmetic products will be reviewed. The Office for Product Safety and Standards work with local enforcement authorities to take effective enforcement action where products are identified as not meeting the safety requirements.