Banana Boat Sunscreen Recalled Over More Benzene Contamination
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Banana Boat has included an additional batch of Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 to the Banana Boat sunscreen recall. First issued last July, the nationwide recall initially included three batches of the product because of benzene contamination.
“[N]o other Banana Boat products are in the scope of this recall and may continue to be used by consumers safely and as intended,” the company said in a statement. An internal company review found the benzene, a widely used industrial chemical, was coming from propellant that sprays the product out of the can.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration shared the announcement as a public service. Recalls over benzene in spray-on sunscreen began in July 2021 when Johnson & Johnson recalled its Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol sunscreens.
Banana Boat Offers Refund to Consumers
The company is offering reimbursement to consumers who purchased sunscreen with the affected lot codes. Consumers may call 1-888-686-3988 for a refund.
The batch lot codes included in the recall are 20016AF, 20084BF, 21139AF and 20301CF. Lot codes are located on the bottom of the can. This Banana Boat sunscreen recall update includes no other batches of the product.
Industrial Chemical Causes Cancer
Benzene is a colorless, sweet-smelling flammable liquid. It’s used to make detergent, pesticides, plastics, rubber and synthetic fibers.
The World Health Organization classifies benzene as a Group 1 carcinogen. Evidence shows it causes cancer in humans including acute myeloid leukemia.
It’s also linked to acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Benzene exposure may cause immediate symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, rapid heartbeat and vomiting.
Sunscreen Lawsuits
People have been filing sunscreen lawsuits over benzene contamination since 2021. In February 2022, a Florida judge gave preliminary approval for a sunscreen settlement over Johnson & Johnson’s contaminated sunscreen.
The settlement includes an extension of the refund program and requiring J&J to provide $1.75 million in vouchers. It also requires the company to improve testing protocols.