More Banana Boat Sunscreen Recalled Over Benzene Contamination
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Edgewell Personal Care, the manufacturer of Banana Boat products, issued a recall of another batch of sunscreen spray in January, adding to three batches recalled last July.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall to alert the public about the risk of benzene exposure.
This expanded Banana Boat sunscreen recall includes another batch of Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30. The nationwide recall initially included three batches.
“While benzene is not an ingredient in any Banana Boat products, the review showed that unexpected levels of benzene came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can,” the company said in a statement.
The four batch lot codes affected by the Banana Boat sunscreen recall update include 20016AF, 20084BF, 21139AF and 20301CF. Consumers may locate lot codes on the bottom of the can. The company is offering refunds to consumers who purchased the recalled sunscreen.
Benzene is an industrial chemical used to make detergents, pesticides and plastics. It is also used in the production of rubber and synthetic fibers. Using products containing benzene could cause short-term or long-term side effects.
Health Effects Associated With Benzene Exposure
Benzene exposure may cause short-term side effects such as dizziness, headaches, rapid heartbeat and vomiting.
The World Health Organization has labeled benzene a carcinogen. Research shows it causes acute myeloid leukemia. Benzene is also linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other forms of leukemia. These other forms of leukemia include acute lymphocytic leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Concerns over benzene exposure led consumers to file sunscreen lawsuits against Banana Boat and other brands.
Sunscreen Lawsuits on the Rise
Consumers began filing sunscreen lawsuits in 2021 after analytical pharmacy Valisure reported benzene in 10 different sunscreen brands, including Banana Boat. Valisure also found benzene in Aveeno and Neutrogena aerosol sunscreens, which are manufactured by Johnson & Johnson.
In November 2021, consumers filed a class-action benzene lawsuit against Edgewell Personal Care over the contamination.
A Florida judge gave preliminary approval in February 2022 to settle a class-action lawsuit over Johnson & Johnson’s contaminated sunscreen. The settlement requires J&J to extend its refund program, provide $1.75 million in vouchers and improve its testing protocols.
Photo distributed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.