Advisory - Certain Option+ and Personelle sunscreens voluntarily recalled because of bacterial contamination

OTTAWA, /CNW/ -

Issue
One lot each of Option+ Family Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ and Personnelle Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ have been voluntarily recalled by Empack Spraytech Inc. because of bacterial contamination.

The sunscreens were found to contain multiple types of bacteria:

• Lactobacillus brevis, and
• Either Micrococcus luteus or Staphylococcus hominis novobiosepticus (see table below).

Although Lactobacillus brevis has not been documented to cause any illness in humans, the other two (Micrococcus luteus or Staphylococcus hominis novobiosepticus) may result in infection. The risk may be higher in children and individuals with a weakened immune system. To date, Health Canada has not received any adverse reaction reports involving the recalled sunscreens.

Who is affected

• Consumers who have bought or used these products.

Affected products

What consumers should do

• Do not use the recalled products identified above. Consult with your health care professional if you have used these products and have health concerns.
• Contact Empack Spraytech Inc. if you have questions about this recall by emailing quality@empack.ca or calling toll-free at 1-866-923-2665.
• Report any health product-related adverse reactions or complaints to Health Canada.

What Health Canada is doing
Health Canada is monitoring the company’s recall. Should additional safety concerns be identified related to this issue, Health Canada will take appropriate action and inform Canadians as necessary.

Background
Micrococcus luteus may cause various infections, including skin infections and occasionally serious problems such as meningitis, septic shock (dangerously low blood pressure in response to an infection), septic arthritis (infection in a joint usually caused by bacteria), pneumonia endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart valves most often caused by infection), or sepsis (a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection). The risk may be higher for children and individuals with a weakened immune system.

Staphylococcus hominis novobiosepticus may cause infections which can be resistant to antibiotics. It has been documented to cause infections of the bloodstream, mainly in healthcare settings. The risk may be higher for children and individuals with a weakened immune system.

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SOURCE Health Canada