The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has advised four companies distributing and selling cosmetics shaped similarly to artificial tears to take corrective measures, such as changing their containers and packaging.

The MFDS explained that this measure was taken because of concerns that consumers might mistake these cosmetics for artificial tears.

Cosmetics are products designed to be applied, rubbed, or sprayed on the external parts of the human body, and using them directly in the eyes can cause foreign body sensations or conjunctivitis.

The MFDS emphasized, "If cosmetics are mistakenly used in the eyes by confusing them with artificial tears, they should be immediately rinsed out with saline solution or clean water."

It also stressed, "If abnormal symptoms such as a foreign body sensation or pain persist even after rinsing, you should promptly consult an ophthalmologist."

The MFDS plans to push for an amendment to the Cosmetics Act to ban cosmetic containers or packaging that mimic the shape of medicines and pose a risk to public health.

(Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Yonhap News)