Banana Boat Sunscreen Recalled Over Cancer-Causing Chemical
Three batches of Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 are being recalled.
The recall is due to “elevated levels of benzene,” a known carcinogen, according to the FDA.
If you are in possession of these products, the FDA urges you to discontinue use and discard them immediately.
Edgewell Personal Care Company, the manufacturer of Banana Boat products, issued a voluntary recall of three batches of one of the brand’s sunscreen products. The product is being recalled after “an internal review found that some samples of the product contained trace levels of benzene,” according to the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The nationwide recall includes three batches of the Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30.
The affected lot codes are:
20016AF
20084BF
21139AF
These lot codes can be found on the bottom of the can. The FDA explains that Edgewell has notified all retailers to pull these products from their shelves, and Banana Boat will reimburse consumers who have bought the affected batches. Consumers should stop using the affected product immediately and get rid of it appropriately, the FDA notes. Appropriate benzene product disposal varies by state, according to Valisure, but it is generally advised to consult your local hazardous waste collection program before tossing.
“Importantly, no other batches of Hair & Scalp (either before or after these batch codes) and no other Banana Boat products are in the scope of this recall and may continue to be used by consumers safely and as intended,” the FDA explains.
Banana boat is just the most recent SPF being recalled. Last July, Johnson & Johnson recalled tons of Neutrogena sunscreens and in the fall, Coppertone recalled five sunscreens due to the potential presence of Benzene.
“Benzene is an organic compound known to be a carcinogen, which means it has been associated with the development of cancers,” Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City previously told Prevention. The FDA elaborates that benzene can enter the human body orally, topically, or by inhalation and can cause various forms of cancer.
While benzene is not an ingredient in the affected Banana Boat product, an internal Edgwell review revealed that the unexpected levels of benzene were attributed to the propellant that sprays the product from the can, and not the ingredients themselves.
Thankfully, the FDA reveals that Edgewell has not yet been notified of any adverse events linked to the recall and that “daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.” However, it is still recommended to dispose of and cease the use of the affected product immediately.
If you have questions about the recall or would like to request reimbursement for the purchase of the affected product, you can visit the Banana Boat website.
You should also talk to your physician if you have any health concerns related to using the product involved in the recall.
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