Safety Report: Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Spray SPF 30 - recalled due to the presence of benzene, USA

United States

Edgewell Personal Care Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Due to the Presence of Benzene, one additional lot code ("20301CF") has been added to the recall. The modified announcement follows: Edgewell Personal Care Company (NYSE: EPC) today expanded its voluntary nationwide recall of three batches of Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 to the consumer level as outlined below. One additional batch has been added to the original recall announced on July 29, 2022. A review found that some samples of the product contained trace levels of benzene. The products were distributed nationwide in the United States through various retailers and online. To date, Edgewell has not received any adverse events related to this recall.

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. 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.

UPC: 0-79656-04041-8. DESCRIPTION: Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Spray SPF 30. Lot Code: 20016AF. Expiration: December 2022. Size: 6 oz
UPC: 0-79656-04041-8. DESCRIPTION: Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Spray SPF 30. Lot Code: 20084BF. Expiration: February 2023. Size: 6 oz
UPC: 0-79656-04041-8. DESCRIPTION: Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Spray SPF 30. Lot Code: 21139AF. Expiration: April 2024. Size: 6 oz
UPC: 0-79656-04041-8. DESCRIPTION: Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Spray SPF 30. Lot Code: 20301CF. Expiration: September 2023. Size: 6 oz

Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it potentially can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life threatening. Benzene is ubiquitous in the environment. Humans around the world have daily exposures to it indoors and outdoors from multiple sources. Daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences according to an independent health assessment using established exposure modeling guidelines.

The voluntarily recalled sunscreen spray products are packaged in aerosol cans. Edgewell has notified its retailers to remove any remaining recalled product from shelves. Banana Boat will also offer reimbursement for consumers who have purchased a product marked with one of the lot codes in the table above. Lot codes are located on the bottom of the can. Consumers should stop using the affected product immediately and appropriately discard.

Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have any questions, concerns or have experienced any problems related to using these aerosol sunscreen products.

In case you experienced harm from these products, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve issues and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Company name: Edgewell Personal Care
Brand name: Banana Boat
Product recalled: Hair & Scalp Spray SPF 30
Reason of the recall: Due to presence of benzene
FDA Recall date: January 30, 2023

Source: www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/edgewell-personal-care-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-banana-boat-hair-scalp-sunscreen-due-0