If you're headed south this winter, you may want to check what kind of sunscreen you're bringing along.
Health Canada has recalled two brands of sunscreen, because they may be contaminated with bacteria.
The Option+ Family Sunscreen lotion (SPF 50+) and Personelle Sport Sunscreen lotion (SPF 50+) are the two types affected.
The sunscreens were both found to contain multiple types of bacteria, which could cause infections especially in children and people with weakened immune systems.
They've been identified as:
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.
It's unclear if anyone has reported any injuries associated with these sunscreens.
In a release, officials "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."
| Product | Issue | DIN | Lot | Expiry | Units Distributed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option+ Family Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ | Lactobacillus brevis, Micrococcus luteus |
02395924 | 24232 | EXP JAN 19 | 5,924 |
| Personnelle Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ | Lactobacillus brevis, Staphylococcus hominis novobiosepticus | 02395959 | 2423224232 | EXP JAN 19 | 5,944 |