On September 26, 2013, Health Canada issued a recall of two sunscreen products which were designed for use on children. The products are being recalled as a result of bacterial contamination which may cause infections that are serious in nature.
The two products which are the subject of the recall notice, Badger Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion and Badger Kids SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion, are sold in Canada and manufactured by W.S. Badger Company Inc. The full recall notice may be read at the Health Canada alert website. W.S. Badger has also set up a webpage with information concerning the recall.
It has also been reported in the United States that approximately 30,000 tubes of the product were recalled due to the presence of the bacteria.
The bacteria consisting of microbes have been found to cause infections in blood, bone, the urinary tract and the gastrointestinal system. The microbes are also linked to causing pneumonia and meningitis. The bacteria is known to be absorbed through cuts or burns. Symptoms of the infections include problems with the skin and blood and also may cause problems with the eyes and ears. In addition, children who may have weak immune systems are at a higher risk of infection. Children who have been diagnosed with serious conditions, such as HIV, cystic fibrosis or cancer, are very susceptible to the bacteria, as are children who have skin conditions, including burns.
At present, no adverse health effects have been reported to Health Canada, however the causal link of a child being infected as a result of the use of the product may not have been established at the time of diagnosis. Health Canada are advising purchasers of the products to return the product to the point of purchase.
At present only specific lots are the subject of the recall and the lot numbers may be viewed in the Health Canada alert.
Wagners, who are involved in a number of class actions concerning faulty or defective products, medical devices and medication, are currently investigating this situation and will continue to monitor the recall of the products in the event it is expanded to include additional lots.