The European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE), an alliance of leading European animal organisations, represented in Spain by Ngo ADDA, launched the sixth annual European Week of Action against the use of hundreds of thousands of mice for the testing of botox used for cosmetics.

Botulinum toxin, commonly known as BOTOX, is mainly used for cosmetic purposes (facial wrinkles) and also in medical applications: dystonia, depression, migraines, Parkinson's and about fifty more. Each batch of botox is tested in the controversial LD50 (Lethal Dose) poisoning test. Groups of mice are injected in the abdomen with different dosages of botulinum toxin in order to find the dose which kills half the animals. This involves appalling suffering for the animals who suffocate slowly through muscle paralysis while fully conscious.

During this action week, the ECEAE is unveiling the involvement of Nestlé in cruel poisoning tests on mice for botulinum toxin. The Swiss-based food giant is currently entering the lucrative botox market. While some botox manufacturers are already using non-animal tests, Nestlé sells products for which there is no approved animal-free test available, and thus becomes responsible for immense additional animal suffering.

The ECEAE is calling on Nestlé to stop selling botox tested on animals until a humane alternative for their products is available.

Source: ECEAE