L'Oreal buys back into tests on animals

The SMH (2013) reports that L’Oreal’s expansion into China has a hidden cost for rabbits and mice. Being a manufacturer of shampoos and lipsticks, it means that the firm will have to implement animal testing despite rules that forbid animal testing in the EU. In China, companies are required to submit samples of their products to be used for tests at local laboratories, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA estimates at least 72 animals are used for each product. L'Oreal says less than 1 per cent of its total safety tests on cosmetics ingredients involve animals. Xu Jingquan, the secretary general at the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce argues that in China consumers do not think much about ideals such as animal testing, all they care about is the price, the brand and the product. Thus, mandatory animal testing will continue to form a big part of the cosmetics industry in China.

Reference:

SMH (2013), ‘L'Oreal buys back into tests on animals’, 24 August, Available at:  http://www.smh.com.au/world/loreal-buys-back-into-tests-on-animals-20130823-2sgzu.html (Accessed: 16 December, 2013)