FDA eyes requiring licenses from candle makers, importers

Manufacturers and importers of candles may soon be required to get a license from the Food and Drug Administration, which vowed to make sure such products will not be sources of hazards at home.

In FDA Advisory 2013-041, the FDA last week said candles are considered as health products under the FDA Act of 2009.

Candles, both scented and unscented, are expected to be in demand in the coming weeks since All Saints' and All Souls' Days are just around the corner, it noted.

"The FDA will make sure that candles are not sources of hazards at home. The FDA will eventually inform all candle manufacturers, importers and distributors to secure a License to Operate and apply for market authorization of their products from FDA," FDA head Kenneth Hartigan-Go said.

It said Republic Act No. 9711, the FDA Act of 2009, considers candles as health products, and categorizes them as household hazardous substances or articles.

So far, Hartigan-Go said there is one scented candle registered with the FDA.

Focus

Hartigan-Go said the FDA will focus on the safety of the wicks, wax and scents and colors of the candles.

According to him, cotton and hemp wicks, as well as metal-free wicks, burn cleanly and safely.

Candles made from beeswax, palm or other vegetable wax, and paraffin are also considered safe, he added.

"Scented candles that use essential oil are not known to have any negative health effects. Smokes or scents emitted by candles are not known to trigger allergies in hypersensitive persons," he added.

But he said that while a well-made candle does not emit smoke when burning properly, "it is always good and safe to remember to burn candles in a well-ventilated area."

Precautions

Meanwhile, Hartigan-Go reminded the public to take precautions in burning candles, including: