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Urgent recall for multiple sunscreen brands after alarming discovery

Ash Cant
·2-min read

Several big-brand sunscreens sold at Australian supermarkets and stores are being recalled due to the presence of a cancer-causing chemical.

On Friday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration [TGA] issued a recall for the products due to the presence of benzene.

Popular brands including Cancer Council and Nivea have been affected. Scroll down for the full list.

Benzene is not an ingredient used in sunscreen, however, it can be a contaminant in raw materials used in the manufacturing process, the TGA said.

Depending on the level and length of exposure, benzene can cause cancer in humans.

Several sunscreens sold in Australia are being recalled by the TGA. Source: Getty Images
Several sunscreens sold in Australia are being recalled by the TGA. Source: Getty Images

"It has been detected in one batch of a raw material used in the manufacture of a number of products and the TGA is working with affected companies to confirm if benzene is present in their medicines and if it is, how much is there," the TGA said of the recall.

In Australia, Benzene levels in sunscreen must be below two parts per million.

The sunscreens are being recalled to ensure consumer safety.

Though the TGA said exposure at the levels detected would not be enough to cause any serious adverse health effects for consumers, the risk is considered to be low.

Only the batch numbers provided by the TGA are being recalled and consumers can return the affected item to the place of purchase or contact the sponsor.

The sunscreens impacted by the recall include:

  • Cancer Council Sensitive Sunscreen SPF50+ 110mL (Tube), Batch: 1103178, Sponsor: VitalityBrands Worldwide Pty Ltd

  • Cancer Council Sensitive Sunscreen SPF50+ 200mL (Pump), Batch: 1099751, Sponsor: VitalityBrands Worldwide Pty Ltd

  • NIVEA Sun Protect & Moisture SPF30 Lotion 200ml, SPF30 lotion batch: 12640440-BN, Sponsor: Beiersdorf Australia Ltd

  • NIVEA Sun Protect & Moisture SPF50+ Roll On 65ml, SPF50+ roll on batch: 12669940BN, Sponsor: Beiersdorf Australia Ltd

  • SPF 50+ Lotion Spray Coconut Beach 200ml, Batch Numbers: 104263, 1104743 and 1104264, Sponsor: Bondi Sands Pty Ltd

  • Baby Bum Mineral SPF50+ Lotion 88mL, Batch Numbers: N1118B and N1118C, Sponsor: Sun Bum Pty Ltd

While only six sunscreens have been listed so far, the TGA warned more products may be added in the coming weeks as an investigation is underway.

People who have concerns or questions about benzene or sunscreens have been urged by the TGA to speak with a healthcare professional.

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