// The Body Shop issues a statement as the Tory government could undo ban on animal testing
// The decision means that animal testing will be required on a number of widely used cosmetic ingredients
The Body Shop warns there could be a U-turn on the ban on testing cosmetics on animals
The cosmetics retailer issued a strong statement following signing an open letter to the Home Secretary led by Cruelty Free International (CFI).
The letter calls for action to challenge a potential u turn on the ban on animal testing on cosmetic ingredient following a series of regulatory decisions made by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), with support from the European Commission and ECHA’s own Board of Appeal.
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The decision means that animal testing will be required on a number of widely used cosmetic ingredients and those used in many other types of consumer products.
The Body Shop has been vocal in the fight to end animal testing for decades and has continually campaigned with CFI to stop the practice around the world.
CFI warned earlier this month that Tory ministers have left the door open to increasing the use of animal testing after the appeals board of the ECHA said some ingredients in cosmetics need to be tested on animals to ensure their safety.
The campaign group was told by the Home Office that the UK Government had “reconsidered its policy” following the decision.
The Body Shop director of sustainability, activism & corporate communications Chris Davis said: “We are saddened and angered that the UK Government is open to changing a policy that may result in cosmetics ingredients being tested on animals for the first time in 23 years.
“The Body Shop was the first global beauty brand to fight on this issue and we successfully campaigned to ban animal testing in cosmetics in the UK in 1998 and our commitment to end this unnecessary and cruel practice remains at the heart of our company to this day. We urge the UK government to consider their position and do the right thing.”
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