Avon shareholders to vote on parabens
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Shareholders to vote on resolution requiring direct-seller to conduct study on the feasibility of removing parabens from products at annual meeting May 1. Resolution is sponsored by investment firm Domini Social Investments and advocacy group Breast Cancer Action. In proxy statement filed with Securities and Exchange Commission March 27, Avon advises shareholders to oppose the resolution, noting "parabens are recognized as safe by The World Health Organization and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Advocacy group argues parabens are linked to breast cancer. Group is targeting Avon because of the direct-seller's association with efforts to raise money to fight the disease. Avon has at least 82 products containing parabens...