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Popular Neutrogena sunscreen recalled over cancer-causing chemical

An urgent recall has been made on a popular sunscreen brand after potentially harmful traces of the cancer-causing chemical benzene were detected.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration Australia (TGA) has recalled Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+ aerosol sunscreen over the possible health risks associated with some batches.

The product, owned by Johnson & Johnson, is being recalled over the possible health risks associated with the amount of benzene detected in the affected batches.

Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, and can potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure.

Consumers are being told to discard the product and contact Neutrogena to request a refund.

Supermarkets are also being warned to remove the affected batches off the market.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+ aerosol sunscreen
Product testing detected benzene at concentration levels higher than those approved by the The Therapeutic Goods Administration. Image: TGA

The TGA has issued the recall warning on all batches with an expiry date of August 30, 2023 or earlier.

"You may have noticed that Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer® Body Mist SPF50+ 140g aerosol sunscreen is not available where you shop in Australia," the Neutrogena website says.

"That’s because we are recalling the product in consultation with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we are recalling all batches of this specific aerosol sunscreen product."

Higher than approved levels detected

While benzene is not an ingredient used in producing this product, the TGA says it is sometimes used in the medicine manufacturing processes.

The TGA regulates the amount of benzene used in medicines throughout Australia, including sunscreens.

Product testing by Johnson & Johnson found that 17 batches of the sunscreen had higher than recommended concentration levels.

While the TGA says exposure to the benzene levels detected in this product would not be expected to cause "serious adverse health effects", however, the products were still being recalled to "reduce the risk to consumers".

Other sun safety products recalled

This isn't the first time sun care products have been recalled recently.

Popular clothing brand Patagonia also urgently recalled products from their adult, children, and infant clothing lines over a serious sun safety risk.

Customers are being asked to check the products they purchased and return them to the retailer immediately if they are affected. Source: ACCC
Customers are being asked to check the products they purchased and return them to the retailer immediately if they are affected. Source: ACCC

The recalled products indicate that they have a protective UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) level of 50+, however, they may only have a UPF of just 17.5.

The clothing products recalled were from a range of men’s, women’s, children's, and infant clothing, available at a range of retailers.

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