(Calif.) State fines maker of 'Brazilian Blowout' product
California ordered a hair products company Monday to pay $600,000 in penalties for selling a popular concoction that releases toxic formaldehyde gas while smoothing out those pesky curls.
The company that produces the Brazilian Blowout must immediately stop deceptive advertising and warn consumers and hair stylists that two of its most popular smoothing products labeled "formaldehyde free" actually emitted the gas during the application process, according to the settlement announced by Attorney General Kamala Harris.
"California laws protect consumers and workers and give them fair notice about the health risks associated with the products they use," Harris said. "This settlement requires the company to disclose any hazard so that Californians can make more informed decisions."
The attorney general's office filed a lawsuit in November 2010 against GIB, LLC, which manufactures Brazilian Blowout Acai Smoothing Solution and Brazilian Blowout Professional Smoothing Solution. Both products contain formaldehyde, but were labeled formaldehyde free.
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