Public advisory

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

Starting date:
November 19, 2018
Type of communication:
Advisory
Subcategory:
Drugs
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Microbial Hazard, Contamination, Important Safety Information
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-68318

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.

What you 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.

Who is affected

Consumers who have bought or used these products.

Affected products

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

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.

Media enquiries

Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Public enquiries

(613) 957-2991
1-866-225-0709

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.

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