The Ministry of Health has determined that several supplements and cosmetic products sold by former Oknha Chheng Sreyroth, known as “Love Riya”, exceed safe levels of dangerous chemicals. It has banned their use, warning that they may be harmful to public health, and in some cases, even deadly.
In a statement issued today, September 4, the ministry outlined how Kandal provincial police, together with the provincial health department and other authorities, raided the home of Sreyroth, owner of the cosmetic brand Love Riya Aharon Niharon, on August 15.
Authorities collected samples of two health supplements and 12 cosmetic items and sent them to the National Health Laboratory for testing. Two supplements and three cosmetic products were not registered with the ministry.
“Laboratory results showed that the health supplement Love Riya Anti-Melasma Capsule (unregistered with the ministry) contained the pharmaceutical ingredient Tranexamic Acid, which is used to control bleeding but only under the supervision of doctors,” the ministry stated.
In addition, two cosmetic products — Love Riya Double White Body Lotion and Love Riya Acne Treatment Face Powder — were found to contain excessive levels of salicylic acid and mercury, above the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive safety standards.
The ministry explained that excessive salicylic acid can cause dry skin, skin inflammation and allergic reactions, while excessive mercury can lead to kidney damage, skin cancer and nervous system disorders.
To avoid exposure to these hazardous or unsafe substances, the ministry has urged the public to immediately stop buying or using these products.
At the same time, it warned against using any unregistered health supplements or cosmetics, since such products are not guaranteed for quality, safety or compliance with technical standards, and may lead to financial loss, health risks or even death.
The ministry reminded the public that all health supplements and cosmetic products circulated in Cambodia must have registration and license numbers issued by the health ministry.
Distributors, sellers or importers of these three banned products — or any other unregistered health supplements or cosmetics — must immediately cease all such activities or face strict legal action under the Law on the Management of Pharmaceuticals.
Following her August arrest, Sreyroth, 40, is currently being held in pre-trial detention at the Kandal provincial prison on charges of inciting discrimination and undermining military morale.
