Why do some brands still test products on animals?

With the development of new techniques to test and certify products, brands use animals Joyful animal testing It has ensured that brands of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food products or other products that may harm human health are certified as safe before commercialization.

For quality assurance, animals selected for experiments should have cellular characteristics similar to humans and be easily reproduced. Low maintenance costs and rats, rabbits and mice raised in animal facilities are the most used for research.

Other animals such as monkeys, sheep, horses, dogs, among other species can be used for experiments, but require a higher cost of maintenance as these guinea pigs tend to have a longer life expectancy than rodents.

For several years, the use of these animals could be justified for the safety of humans, but currently, new techniques have been developed that do not involve the use of animals in the trademark certification process. These methods use artificial skin technologies or even software that can assess and predict risks and interactions between the substances contained in products and the human body.

In addition to not supporting animal cruelty, these new methods have proven to be more effective than “traditional” methods. Therefore, the justification for product brands for the use of animals in the development process often becomes meaningless and outdated.

Ralph for animal rights

In April 2021, the “Save Ralph” campaign was broadcast on the Humane Society International (HSI) Youtube channel. In an interview simulation, a rabbit with several sequelae describes the results of his work as a guinea pig, his day, and the importance of his job.

The campaign, which raises awareness of the conditions in which these animals live and how they are treated, has raised questions about the continuity of these practices.

As a result, many brands have begun seeking “cruelty-free” certification, which indicates that their products have not undergone any process that includes testing or handling on animals. There are also product lines that are considered “vegan” in addition to non-performing. animal testingAlso, do not use any products of animal origin in the formulations.

For seals such as Humans for the Ethical Treatment of Conquered Animals (PETA), brands must send documents proving that the company and its suppliers do not and will not use animals in their processes.

So why do brands still test on animals?

Unfortunately, there are still countries with laws that require brands of certain types of products to be tested on animals for safety certification.

There is no such requirement in Brazil, but for financial and cultural reasons why not, many brands still choose to continue using animals in the development of their products.

In some Brazilian states, such as São Paulo, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso do Sul, Amazonas, Paraná, Pará, Minas Gerais and Pernambuco, animal testing already banned.

Currently, there are at least three bills to be voted on in the legislature on the ban on animal testing in the country, as well as on the import and sale of products that use this type of method during their certification.

With the guarantee that new technologies offer greater safety and quality in products, as well as being more effective in detecting problems, there is no reason not to make better choices, to choose products that respect life and comply with ethical production standards. .