Seoul authorities have reportedly confirmed that a significant amount of toxic substances have been detected in products sold by Shein and Temu.
As per a recent inspection, 144 products from the three Chinese companies failed to meet legal standards, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Significantly high levels of phthalates (chemicals used to make plastics more flexible) were found in shoes from Shein. One pair in particular had 229 times above the legal limit of phthalates.
‘Phthalate-based plasticisers affect reproductive functions such as sperm count reduction, and can cause infertility and even premature birth,’ an official from Seoul’s environmental health team told AFP.
One of these plasticisers or chemicals is classified as a ‘human carcinogen by the International Cancer Institute, so special care should be taken to avoid long-term contact with the human body.’
A chemical typically used in home building products known as formaldehyde was also detected in Shein’s caps – at double the allowable threshold.
Furthermore, two bottles of Shein’s nail polish were found to contain dioxane, another possible human carcinogen that can cause liver poisoning. It was discovered that more than 3.6 times the allowed limit of this chemical was found in the products, and methanol concentrations were 1.4 times above the acceptable level.
According to Shein, the company works ‘closely with international third-party testing agencies… to regularly carry out risk-based sampling tests to ensure that products provided by suppliers meet Shein’s product safety standards’.
‘Our suppliers are required to comply with the controls and standards we have put in place as well as the product safety laws and regulations in the countries we operate in.’
However, Seoul authorities also found traces of lead in sandals from Temu at levels more than 11 times the allowed limit.
‘Upon receiving notice from the Seoul city government, we immediately launched an internal investigation,’ the company told AFP.
‘We have swiftly removed these product listings from our global marketplace and are enhancing our systems and guidance to merchants to ensure they comply with safety standards and local regulations.’
As per a government statement, Seoul officials requested that all the products be removed from sale.
‘Products that exceed the legal limit are products that directly contact the body, such as leather sandals and hats, so citizens should pay special attention,’ said Kim Tae-hee, an official in the capital.
‘The Seoul Metropolitan Government will continue to conduct safety tests periodically and disclose the results.’
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