An urgent recall has been announced for a popular sunscreen "Banana Boat", that has been pulled from shelves at Coles and Woolworths stores across the country.
The recall was issued by the Therapeutic Goods Administration on Thursday and the products were immediately removed from sale due to unexpected levels of benzene being detected in the batches.
According to cancer.org "Benzene is known to cause cancer, based on evidence from studies in both people and lab animals. The link between benzene and cancer has largely focused on leukemia and other cancers of blood cells."
After consultation with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and out of an abundance of caution, Edgewell Personal Care is recalling all batches of the above Banana Boat aerosol sunscreen sprays with an expiry date of 31st January 2024 or earlier.
Product testing identified unexpected levels of benzene in some batches of these aerosol sunscreens. Exposure to benzene in these sunscreen products at the levels detected would not be expected to cause adverse health effects.
The rest of the Banana Boat sun care portfolio – including lotion and roll-on sunscreens and other aerosol sunscreens are not impacted and continue to be available to consumers.
Consumers should stop using these products and appropriately dispose of them:
- Banana Boat Ultra Very High Protection Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+
- Banana Boat Simply Protect Kids Very High Protection Sunscreen Lotion Spray SPF 50+
- Banana Boat Dry Balance Very High Protection Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+
The site also includes a form to fill out to request a full refund.
They have also advised that if you have any concerns or questions about this issue, speak to your health professional or contact the Edgewell Personal Care Consumer Service team (Free Call) on 1800 761 186