Australian parents are being urged to check their medicine cabinets and beach bags immediately following an urgent product recall. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a critical recall notice for a popular children's sunscreen over fears it may not provide adequate sun protection.
Details of the Sunscreen Recall
The recall specifically targets the Cancer Council Sunscreen Clear Zinc Kids SPF50+ in the 110g bottle size. The national health regulator announced the recall on Thursday, warning consumers to stop using the product from three specific batches.
The primary concern is that the contents of the sunscreen can separate. This means the ingredients are no longer properly mixed, which can severely compromise the product's effectiveness.
Why This Recall Is So Serious
According to the official notice, the separation could "affect the SPF of the sunscreen and may cause inadequate sun protection." For a product designed to shield delicate children's skin from Australia's harsh sun, a failure in protection carries significant health risks, including sunburn and potential long-term damage.
Consumers are advised to look for visible signs of the defect. "The product may appear to have an uneven texture and visible water separating out of the product," the TGA notice states.
Which Batches Are Affected?
The recall applies only to sunscreen from the following three batches. Check the batch number and expiry date on your bottle:
- Batch number 1143730 - Expiry date August 2027
- Batch number 1141313 - Expiry date June 2027
- Batch number 1146857 - Expiry date November 2026
The TGA and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have both been involved in issuing this public safety alert.
What You Need to Do Now
If you have purchased a bottle from one of the affected batches, the instruction is clear: do not use it. You should return the product to the place of purchase to receive a full refund.
This recall serves as a crucial reminder for all Australians to regularly check their sun protection products for any changes in texture, colour, or smell, and to always follow the latest safety advice from the TGA.
7News.com.au has approached the Cancer Council for further comment on the recall and its processes.
