Animals in Product Testing
 Every year, thousands of new cosmetic, personal care and household products are introduced into the marketplace. Virtually all of them have been animal-tested at various stages of their development. Long before they appear on the shelves of your local supermarket, these products have gone through a long and complex testing process that leaves millions of animals mutilated, burned, poisoned and gassed in outmoded and unnecessary tests.
The manufacturers of cosmetics and household products claim that they perform tests on animals to ensure the safety of their products under customary use or possible abuse when in reality it is to limit the company's liability to its customers in case of a lawsuit.
It is believed that the law requires animal testing on cosmetics. This is untrue. Animal testing on cosmetics is not required by the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does urge companies to conduct whatever toxicological tests are appropriate to substantiate the safety of their products. As a result, millions of rabbits and other animals continue to be the innocent victims of painful eye and skin irritancy tests. (See Animal Tests.)
 Toxic products that have been tested on animals such as permanent wave solutions, oven cleaners, soaps and detergents are regularly introduced into the marketplace. That's because no amount of animal testing can change the fact that many of these products are harmful if ingested or used in a way not intended by the manufacturer. Animal testing merely determines the level of toxicity. Despite the fact that they have been animal-tested, these products are no less deadly if a person eats or drinks them accidentally.
Cosmetics and personal care products that are also intended to treat or prevent disease, or affect the structure or functions of the human body such as antiperspirants and fluoride toothpaste are considered drugs. These products must comply with the drug requirements of the FDA. Animals are almost always utilized as the test models.
Today, in response to pressure from the public and animal advocacy groups, many large consumer product companies have discontinued animal testing in favor of nonanimal alternatives. Still, animal testing remains an accepted practice for many of the largest companies, despite its serious limitations in assuring the health and safety of American consumers.
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