EU recalls famed Turkish cologne products over abrasive chemical ingredients

Duvar English

During the pandemic, Eyüp Sabri Tuncer, which saw significant growth and made strides in exports, has been hit with an urgent recall order from the European Union for its colognes. In a statement, the company clarified that the recall applied only to products manufactured before March 2022.

The European Union issued the urgent recall citing concerns that the products could harm pregnant women and unborn babies. The products affected by the recall included 16 products in their various-sized bottles.

In response, the company stated that the ban applied to products containing Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial), which the European Union prohibited in cosmetic products. The company emphasized that, like all European firms, it fully complied with the regulation and no longer used this ingredient in its products.

The company explained that it had updated its formulas in accordance with the ban and stopped selling products containing the ingredient in March 2022. It also assured the public that all current products on the market are safe and of the highest quality.

Additionally, the company announced that it would pursue legal action against misleading and inaccurate information circulating on social media, and it would hold discussions in the coming days to address these claims. The company thanked the public for their trust and support and reiterated its commitment to producing products that prioritize health and comply with European Union standards.

Engin Tuncer, Chairman of the Board, told Halk TV that the recalled products were produced before March 2022, noting, “Our logos were different four years ago. If you look at the images, the products have rectangular logos. Therefore, these are certainly products made before 2022.”

Tuncer explained that the ingredient banned in 2022 had been used in cosmetics worldwide for years. “This raw material was freely used in all cosmetic products around the world before March 2022, including all the luxury perfumes you see on the market. Presenting it as if it were a new product is misleading because these were produced before 2022.”

Tuncer added, “It seems like there’s an effort to tarnish our brand. We are confident in what we do. There has never been, nor will there ever be, anything in our products that violates cosmetics laws in Turkey or globally.”

He also said that after the European Union's 2022 decision, the products in question were immediately recalled: “Not only we, but the retailers also knew that the products had to be returned. This was a managed process, and it never resurfaced until now. We’ve always conducted recalls. We collected everything, as did all the companies. The Ministry of Health would never allow the production of anything that violates cosmetic laws.”