Cruelty Free Malta to dearavon
4 October 11
Dear Sir/Madam,
I found the following in the PETA website:
http://www.peta.org/living/beauty-and-personal-care/companies/search.aspx?Testing=1&Range=1
I am sure that previously Avon was listed as a cruelty free company on the PETA website. Could you kindly explain what’s happening?
Thank You,
Best Regards,
fiona.
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Dear Avon – WCCC dearavon@avon.com to me
5 October 11
Hello Fiona,
I have received your message regarding the explanation to know whats happening on the PETA website. My name is Betty S., and I’m happy to help you.
After researching, I’m glad to inform you that Avon doesn’t test any of its products on animals. The safety of our consumers is a primary concern at Avon. We’re committed to selling only safe products. We use only safe ingredients in our cosmetics products, and comply with applicable regulations in every country where our products are sold.
Here are some other relevant facts:
– On June 2, 1989, Avon announced a permanent end to all animal testing of our products, including testing done in outside laboratories. We were the first major cosmetics company in the world to end animal testing.
– Our approach to safety evaluation uses data from in vitro (test tube/cell culture) or clinical tests (on human volunteers). We also reference existing animal-testing data. So, the Company doesn’t conduct animal testing on any products or raw ingredients. In addition, we don’t require suppliers of raw ingredients and finished products produced for Avon to conduct animal testing on our behalf.
– Avon will conduct animal testing only when required by law, at the request of government health or medical authorities. This will be done only after having first tried to persuade the requesting authority to accept non-animal test data.
We’ve been at the forefront of the development and implementation of alternative test methods since the 1980s. Our efforts were recognized in 1993 at the World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences: Education, Research and Testing. In 1993, the Company was also presented with a Recognition Award from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing. We received this Award for our commitment and dedication to the principles of the 3 Rs (refinement, reduction, replacement), and the use of alternative tests for safety evaluation.
Also, Avon will continue in a leadership role to support the development and validation of new alternatives to animal testing. To do this, we’ve partnered with other cosmetic companies in efforts organized by the European cosmetic industry trade association (COLIPA) to identify and develop new alternatives. Similarly, we are a long-time supporter of research into alternatives conducted by the Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments (FRAME) in the UK and the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing at Johns Hopkins University in the United States. In addition, ongoing research on new/existing alternative methods is conducted by scientists in our Cell Biology and In Vitro Toxicology Laboratory at the Avon Global Research & Development Center in Suffern, NY.
Our reputation as a leader in this area is well known in the industry, and continues to grow. We share these facts with our Representatives, so they can address their Customers’ concerns and/or questions. Additional information on our testing policy can be found at the following sources:
– Our corporate website: www.avoncompany.com, Corporate Responsibility, Animal Testing
– 1-800-FOR-AVON (1-800-367-2866), option 1 for English, option 3 for the Avon Information Center that provides consumer product information
I hope I’ve helped you. Please keep an eye on our website. We’re always trying to improve it for you.
Sincerely,
Betty S.
Avon Information Center
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In the next part, I will be posting PETA’s version of the correspondence. On Part 2, PETA are explaining why they have moved Avon to a company that DOES animal testing. Will be publish Part 2 as soon as we get 2,010 likes on our facebook page. Don’t forget to follow our blog! 🙂