Product batches from two sunscreen brands have been recalled in New Zealand over benzene levels. Photo / 123rf
Product batches from two sunscreen brands have been recalled in New Zealand over benzene levels. Photo / 123rf
Sunscreen products from two brands have been recalled following the detection of higher than allowed levels of a chemical linked to the development of cancers.
However, the risk to consumers has been deemed "extremely low".
Specific batches of Nivea's Protect & Moisture SPF 30 lotion and SPF 50+ roll on,and of Sun Bum's Baby Bum Mineral SPF50+ Sunscreen Lotion have been recalled.
Levels of benzene above the amount allowed by Australian standards had been detected in the products and people who had the specific batches of the affected sunscreens have been told not to use them.
Benzene is a chemical that is classed as a human carcinogen, but the products' recall notices state that the health risk to consumers who have used the product is extremely low.
In online recall notices, both companies said the health risks to consumers were extremely low but the products were being recalled out of an abundance of caution.
Sun Bum said benzene was not an active ingredient in this product and may have been unintentionally introduced during the manufacturing process.
Two lots of the Baby Bum Mineral SPF50+ Sunscreen Lotion have been recalled. Photo / Supplied
A recent test of the Sun Bum product had detected benzene at a concentration of around 2.4 parts per million, above the conservative 2ppm limit that the Australia Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) has set for benzene residue in medicines because it is classified as a human carcinogen.
"Sun Bum is actively working with the TGA in Australia to facilitate this recall and is working to ensure that this issue does not occur in the future."
Other Nivea Sun and Sun Bum products have not been impacted.
