Japan's Kanebo recalls cosmetics over skin stain fears

Japanese cosmetics maker Kanebo on Thursday announced it was recalling 54 skin whitening products from all over Asia because of fears they could cause white patches and uneven colouring. The cosmetics contain a substance called 4HPB, which was developed by Kanebo, the company said. "Some consumers complained that they had white patches on their skin after using the products, and we suspect a link between the condition and 4HPB," a spokeswoman said. The company is recalling 450,000 products already sold as well as all inventory from the domestic market. It will also recall products on sale abroad. The recall affects Japan and 10 Asian territories: Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam.