With the arrival of spring, temperatures and associated risks also begin to increase proliferation of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. In this context, the National Drug, Food, and Medical Technology Administration (ANMAT) announced to ban the use of a repellent because it is not registered.
In this way the use, marketing, advertising and distribution throughout the national territory of the “Family mosquito repellent with citronella oil and aloe vera, SDE brand. The decision is based on the lack of registration of the product and the absence of data on the production plant and the ingredients that compose it.
The ban originated following an inspection by the Department of Home Sanitary Items, Cosmetics and Personal Hygiene dependent on the Management of health product management evaluation and monitoring (DEGMPS), which took over the sale of the repellent in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA).
By consulting the ANMAT database, It was found that the repellent was not registeredwhich led to the recommendation to ban the use, marketing, advertising, distribution throughout the national territory and publication on online sales platforms of insect repellents of national origin in all batches, presentations, deadlines and net contents .
ANMAT banned the production and sale of olive oil
In this way, an attempt was made to protect potential users given that the repellent in question is a product for which “it is not possible to provide guarantees regarding the effectiveness, safety and/or formulation with ingredients permitted by the regulations in force on the subject” .
Second ban on a repellent that does not comply with health regulations
It should be noted that this is not the first measure taken by ANMAT this week. The day before, the “MOS OUT brand insect repellent” pursuant to Provision 8800/2024, also for not having the corresponding registration.
The Government has freed the importation of repellents and suspended the intervention of ANMAT
Both provisions are part of an effort to ensure the safety of products available on the market, especially at a critical time when the risk of dengue fever increases.
ANMAT emphasizes that the regulation of cosmetic and hygiene products is essential for consumer protection. The lack of information on the products in question prevents us from providing guarantees on their effectiveness and safety, putting the health of users at risk.
For this reason, the Program for monitoring and controlling advertising and promotion of products subject to health surveillance intervened to manage the cancellations of electronic sales publications.
Given the rising temperatures and possible proliferation of mosquitoes, the community must be cautious and opt only for duly registered and recommended repellents.
RM / Come on
Interview: Navigating Mosquito Season and Safety in Argentina
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today we have Dr. Laura Andrade, a public health expert specializing in vector-borne diseases, to discuss the recent decision by ANMAT to ban a mosquito repellent linked to the potential risks of dengue fever this spring. Welcome, Dr. Andrade!
Dr. Andrade: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and address such an important public health issue.
Editor: To start off, can you explain why the proliferation of dengue-carrying mosquitoes is a significant concern as we welcome spring?
Dr. Andrade: Absolutely. Warmer temperatures create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, the primary carrier of dengue. As the temperatures rise, so does the risk of dengue outbreaks, making it crucial to ensure that the public has access to safe and effective preventive measures, such as repellents.
Editor: Speaking of repellents, what are your thoughts on ANMAT’s recent decision to ban the “Family mosquito repellent with citronella oil and aloe vera” for being unregistered?
Dr. Andrade: It’s a necessary step for public safety. The absence of registration means there were no verified safety or efficacy data for that product. This is critical as using unregulated products might lead to ineffective protection against mosquito bites and potential health risks associated with unknown ingredients.
Editor: Can you elaborate on the inspection process by the Department of Home Sanitary Items that led to this decision?
Dr. Andrade: During regular inspections, health authorities often review products available in the market for compliance with safety regulations. In this case, they found that the repellent did not have the required registration in ANMAT’s database, prompting an immediate recommendation for a ban to prevent its marketing and distribution nationwide.
Editor: With dengue being a growing concern, what should consumers look for in safe mosquito repellents?
Dr. Andrade: Consumers should ensure that the repellent is registered with health authorities and comes with clear information about its active ingredients, effectiveness duration, and safety profile. Products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are generally recognized as effective.
Editor: What advice do you have for individuals living in areas prone to dengue outbreaks?
Dr. Andrade: It’s essential to stay informed about local health advisories, use registered mosquito repellents effectively, and reduce mosquito breeding sites around homes. This includes removing standing water, using window screens, and wearing protective clothing during peak mosquito activity times, typically early morning and late afternoon.
Editor: Lastly, given your expertise, what steps might governments consider to enhance public awareness and health safety in the upcoming mosquito season?
Dr. Andrade: Governments should invest in public health campaigns that educate populations about preventing mosquito breeding, recognizing dengue symptoms, and the importance of using regulated repellents. Collaborating with local communities to promote proper waste management and water storage can also significantly reduce mosquito populations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Andrade, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. Your expertise is invaluable as we navigate the challenges of spring and mosquito season in Argentina.
Dr. Andrade: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial that we remain vigilant and informed as we protect ourselves and our communities from dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.