The UK will allow cosmetics to be tested on animals for the first time in 25 years. Since 1998, testing on animals was OK if there were benefits for humans. Scientists could test chemicals on animals to make new medicines. Judges at a court in London followed European Union laws on using chemicals in animal testing. One chemical that can be tested on animals is already used a lot. It is in sunscreen, foundation and skincare products. The UK government said it was "committed to the protection of animals in science".
Many people are angry with the decision. Many cosmetics companies are unhappy. A group of over 80 cosmetics brands wrote a letter to the UK government. It said the new law was shocking. A spokesperson for the Body Shop said: "Allowing animal testing for cosmetics would be a [horrible] blow to the millions of people who have supported campaigns to end this [terrible] practice." A scientist at one of the world's largest cosmetics companies said animal testing was unnecessary because of the technology we have today.
Try the same news story at these levels:
Testing on Animals - Level 0, Testing on Animals - Level 1 or Testing on Animals - Level 3
Sources- https://www.iflscience.com/uk-government-to-allow-animal-testing-for-cosmetics-after-25-year-ban-68801
- https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-65484552
- https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1766972/Outrage-animal-tests-makeup-resume-25-year-ban
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