Working with other Partners — the Retail Sector

Abstract

Animal testing to demonstrate the safety of cosmetic and toiletries has been used for many years. However, such testing, now viewed by many consumers as an emotive issue, has been banned within the UK, and is severely restricted in the European Union. Consumer knowledge and understanding have been challenged by the use of focus group studies, which showed that consumers were often confused and potentially misled by claims on labels and in leaflets. Despite the fact that some pressure groups had taken positive action, even holding store demonstrations, in attempts to stop such testing or claims, there was still a legal requirement to demonstrate the safety of products, and this involved the use of animal testing. Nevertheless, there was great pressure to move away from animal testing, clarify marketing and pack claims, and provide general transparency to the consumer. Therefore, the decision was taken to actively seek out and work with organisations which were working toward the validation of alternative testing. A number of potential organisations were approached and, after careful consideration of their respective aims and aspirations, it was decided that, for the retailer in question, FRAME was the most appropriate organisation with which to work.