FDA Recalls Banana Boat Sunscreen Due to Traces of Cancer-Causing Chemical Benzene

Iesha August 1, 2022 News Leave a comment

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, trace amounts of benzene were discovered in three batches of Banana Boat sunscreen, prompting Edgewell Personal Care Company to recall the products voluntarily.

The recalled product, Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Spray SPF 30, was sold at retail locations and online throughout the U.S. and was packaged in 6-ounce aerosol spray cans.

The following details, which are printed on the bottom of each can of sunscreen, can be used to identify the concerned batches:

Lot Code: 20016AF; Expiration Date: December 2022
Lot Code: 20084BF; Expiration Date: February 2023
Lot Code: 21139AF; Expiration Date: April 2024

According to the FDA, benzene is categorized as a human carcinogen, meaning that exposure to it has the potential to cause cancer.

“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 announcement stated.

It is recommended that consumers stop using the recalled sunscreen and discard it immediately.

Retailers have been instructed to take the remaining aerosol cans off their stores by Edgewell Personal Care Company. Banana Boat is providing customers who bought the recalled product with a refund.

Consumers can report any adverse side effects associated with sunscreen use to the FDA online or via mail.