Icky Institutions: Shiseido is another company using the "except when required by law" excuse

Hi all:

I gotta tell you, I'm getting a bit tired of receiving these replies from companies who claim they care very much about animal welfare and animal testing, and avoid it wherever possible, only using it when the law requires.


First of all, you know my opinion on animal testing by now. Every species has a different biological system - something that proves toxic - or safe - to an animal may have the opposite effect on humans. Put it this way: had we tested chocolate on dogs before releasing it to humans, we may never have got it! Chocolate is toxic to most dogs, causing them to foam at the mouth and vomit ... can you imagine a life without chocolate?


The other pet peeve of this argument that companies put forth is the most obvious one: if law is requiring them to test an ingredient on animals to deem it safe for human use, then that company probably shouldn't be using that ingredient at all. Clearly, there are ways to make products - cosmetic, cleaning, whatever - that render them safe without testing as there are many companies who have committed to selling cruelty-free products. Perhaps companies should consider banning those ingredients from their products, rather than subjecting lab animals to cruel testing procedures.


I've said before that I'm not a shock merchant, so I won't go into any gruesome details, but please understand that animal testing is not how you might imagine. The animals are not well looked after; often they are crammed in filthy cages and subjected to painful tests, after which they are not treated adequately so are either put down or allowed to suffer. If you want details there are plenty online - just google "animal testing".


So for now, enjoy Shiseido's response to the animal testing question; just the latest in a long line of nonsensical responses:


"At Shiseido, we believe that providing customers with safer, more
effective products is an important mission as well as complying with
cosmetics regulations enacted by countries worldwide. At the same time,
we respect the spirit and intent of ensuring animal welfare.

In order to fulfill this mission, Shiseido has not conducted animal
testing unless otherwise determined indispensable, including cases as
required by laws and regulations or in which alternative methods have
not been validated.

Additionally, Shiseido has been actively involved in the development of
alternative methods for  safety testing since 1981 and we publicize the
results of associated research at meetings of Japanese and
international scientific societies and have undertaken concerted
efforts to share those results widely.

Consequently, alternative methods developed by Shiseido are highly
regarded both domestically and abroad. Recognition includes having
received 11 awards since 1991 at annual meetings of the Japanese
Society for Alternatives to Animal Experiments. This is the most ever
awarded to any Japanese company.

Shiseido will continue to actively undertake efforts to develop
alternative test methods, including joint research extending beyond the
framework of a company with the goal of eliminating all animal testing
at the soonest possible opportunity.

We ask for your understanding and support with regard to the Shiseido
Group’s stance on product safety and truly appreciate your continued
patronage.

Sincerely,

Shiseido Consumer Center, Tokyo"

You don't have to be cruel to be kind,

GiGi