The European Union banned the sale of new cosmetic products containing ingredients tested on animals with immediate effect Monday.
“This is a great opportunity for Europe to set an example of responsible innovation in cosmetics without any compromise on consumer safety,” said Tonio Borg, the EU’s top official on health and consumer issues.
Cosmetics Europe, a trade body representing the EU’s $93 billion industry, said the ban “acts as a brake on innovation.” While the industry’s rabbits, mice or guinea pigs used in testing will now be spared, consumers are unlikely to notice immediate changes because products containing ingredients that were tested on animals before the ban can remain on the shelves.
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