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Abstract

to forward consumer complaints to the FDA, which leads to widespread underreporting. The FDA has no authority to mandate recalls of cosmetics, and cosmetic manufacturers are not required to register with the FDA. Despite a global market that has exceeded $400 billion, 1 the understaffed Office of Cosmetics and Color has an annual budget of only $13 million (US). 4 Currently proposed legislation, the Personal Care Products Safety Act, in the Senate would make manufacturer reporting mandatory, require FDA registration, and broaden the FDA's authority over cosmetics. Until then, the potential of CAERS as a useful epidemiologic tool for cosmetics safety depends on the voluntary participation of obstetrics-gynecology providers.