The preservation of long-standing valuable social customs is important to the life of a community. 100% pure henna, safe enough to be declared permanently exempted as a hair and scalp dye, is an important part of the religious and social life of over 10,000,000 Americans. Henna brings joy and beauty, and continues millennia-long tradition. 100% pure henna is used to celebrate life as Christmas Trees are used to celebrate Christmas. There is NO need to block the importation of 100% pure henna (Lawsonia Inermis).

The FDA is correct to insist that henna NOT be adulterated with unlisted and/or unsafe ingredients.
These products should be seized in the interest of public safety. However, 100% pure henna (Lawsonia Inermis) has such a high level of safety that it should not be prevented from importation. Para-phenylenediamine should NEVER be used in, or in
place of henna, as per FDA regulation.

FDA regulations prohibiting import of pure henna (Lawsonia Inermis) are vague, poorly reasoned and not enforceable. They should be re-written or dropped. There is no compelling reason to seize 100% pure henna. There are many reasons to permit its import.

August 22, 2001
Catherine Cartwright Jones
Researcher and specialist on Henna History, Traditions, Chemistry and Techniques
Sirius International Henna Conferences director
Kent State University faculty
info@mehandi.com

Appendices

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