More evidence that low-calorie sweeteners are bad for your health
Studies show that artificial sweeteners can raise the risk of hypertension, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, including stroke.
Increasing numbers of us want to shop with a conscience. We want to know that the products we buy don’t harm us or the earth or other living things.
Compassionate shoppers will have been delighted, then, at the introduction of the EU ban on the sale and import of animal tested cosmetics back in March 2013.
It was certainly a great step forward for animals, and added to the existing ban on animal testing for cosmetics purposes within the EU. However, shoppers are still urged to look for the Leaping Bunny when buying their cosmetics and personal care products.
One reason for this is that a company can still animal test cosmetics for sale outside of the EU.
The Leaping Bunny, on the other hand, is a global standard, and applies to all operations of a company. This is particularly important when it comes to China. At present, China is the only country which requires mandatory pre-market animal tests for imported cosmetic products.
Ethics over profits
In effect this means that it is impossible for a company to sell cosmetics there and remain cruelty-free, and for that reason we have made it an explicit condition of Leaping Bunny certification that companies do not sell in China unless they have been granted an official exemption.
The Leaping Bunny is a global standard for cruelty-free cosmetics and personal care products
Leaping Bunny certified companies, have therefore made the commendable choice to put ethics over profits when it comes to the lucrative Chinese marketplace.
We are hopeful that Chinese law in this area is beginning to shift, however. From June 2014, it may be possible for companies manufacturing within China to sell certain ‘ordinary use’ products there (such as shampoo and soap) without having to undergo the pre-market animal tests. However, imported products and ‘special use’ items such as sunscreen and hair dyes will not be exempt.
Taking on the world
Although China is now the only country with mandatory animal testing requirements for cosmetics, 80% of the world still allows animal testing for cosmetics purposes. In practice this means that thousands of animals around the globe are still suffering and dying in cruel cosmetics tests, for which humane alternatives are available.
Cruelty Free International is therefore working to achieve a global ban. Recent successes include a ban in São Paulo state in Brazil, whilst a bill outlawing cosmetics testing on animals is set to become law in India within the coming months.
Cruelty Free International is also working with US Congressman Jim Moran to promote his Humane Cosmetics Act, which calls for a ban in America.
Talks with governments and regulators around the world, including Russia and Korea, also continue.
Until a global ban is achieved, cruelty-free shoppers know to still look for the Leaping Bunny when buying beauty products.
To find out more information, and see what other companies support the Leaping Bunny, see the Cruelty Free International website.
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