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Information update

Health Canada advises Canadians not to use two Personnelle sunscreen lotions due to microbial contamination

Starting date:
July 29, 2016
Posting date:
July 29, 2016
Type of communication:
Information Update
Subcategory:
Drugs
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Important Safety Information, Microbial Hazard, Contamination
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-59656

Issue

Further to the communication issued on March 24, 2016, Health Canada is advising Canadians not to use an additional Personnelle sunscreen lotion (see below) because of microbial contamination. The affected sunscreen lotions were sold at Jean Coutu retail locations.

The sunscreen lotions were found to contain Lactobacillus brevis and Micrococcus luteus. Although Lactobacillus brevis does not cause any illness in humans, 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.

Consumers should check to see if they have purchased either of the affected sunscreen lotions as the products should not be used.

The company, Empack Spraytech Inc., has initiated a voluntary recall of the additional product. The Department will monitor the recall and inform Canadians if new safety information arises.

Consumers should consult their health-care practitioner with any questions or concerns regarding the use of these sunscreen products.

Products affected
Photo Product DIN Lot Number Expiry date Date Added
Personnelle Sunscreen Lotion 50+ SPF Children and Adults
Personnelle Sunscreen Lotion 50+ SPF Children and Adults 02395983 21275 JUNE/2017 July 29, 2016
Personnelle Sunscreen Lotion 30 SPF Children and Adults
Personnelle Sunscreen Lotion 30 SPF Children and Adults 02395975 20145 JAN 27. 2017 March 24, 2016

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