FDA Issues Safety Alert for WEN Hair Care Products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety alert for WEN hair care products after a number of consumers have complained about suffering severe hair loss and even baldness. CBS News gives the example of 11-year-old Eliana Lawrence who used a WEN by Chaz Dean hair care product, which has celebrity endorsements and boasts that it gives those who use it, stronger, fuller hair. But in Eliana’s case her hairbrush overflowed with hair and she almost became bald from using those products, her mother said. Eliana and her mother are now part of a class action lawsuit filed against WEN.

FDA Investigation of WEN

The FDA began investigation WEN after numerous reports from consumers who suffered hair loss, baldness and even rashes. Last month, the agency took the rare step of issuing a safety alert after learning that the company had received 21,000 complaints. WEN has said that it has shared its formulations and ingredients with the FDA and that they “exceed” the agency’s requirements for cosmetic manufacturers. However, the FDA has disagreed with WEN saying that the company did not really address safety concerns relating to hair loss.

In fact, agency officials say they don’t know if the company has other safety data and that they don’t have the legal authority to require a cosmetics company to provide product safety information. Under a law that has been in effect since 1938, the FDA has limited power to regulate the $62 billion cosmetics industry. Since the FDA has no real control over the cosmetics industry, manufacturers are not required to ensure a product is safe before they sell it.

Class Action Lawsuits

In such cases where unregulated products have harmed consumers, a class action lawsuit can be the only recourse for consumers. Often, it is the only remedy for affected consumers to hold negligent corporations accountable. It is unacceptable that WEN hair products are still on store shelves and that the company is still making a profit off these cosmetics that have harmed so many.

We hope that the FDA’s investigation results in a recall of these hair care products and that the consumers who have been affected get the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve. If you have used these or other products that have caused injury, harm or adverse side effects, contact an experienced California class action attorney to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

(Image credit: http://www.cbsnews.com)