Badger kids sunscreens recalled for bacteria, fungus
Some Badger sunscreens are being recalled after potentially-dangerous bacteria and fungus were found during testing.
New Hampshire-based W.S. Badger Co. Inc. is recalling all lots of its 4-ounce SPF 30 Baby Sunscreen Lotion and one lot of its 4-ounce SPF 30 Kids Sunscreen Lotion due to contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida parapsilosis and Acremonium fungi.
No illnesses or reactions have been reported in connection with the products, but consumers are asked to not use them and return them to the original point of purchase for a full refund, or contact Badger directly at 1-800-603-6100 or email recalls@badgerbalm.com.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria can lead to skin rashes and ear infections, especially in children following exposure to water. Swimming pools and hot tubs that are inadequately chlorinated may contain the bacteria. Sometimes these infections are spread in hospitals among people with weakened immune systems, and if it gets into the blood or leads to pneumonia, severe illness or death may occur. Antibiotics can treat them.
Candida parapsilosis is a fungus, or yeast, that can cause mild skin infections. The fungus is also associated with serious infections at hospitals when it enters the bloodstream.
Acremonium fungican also lead to infections if it enters an injured portion of the skin.
A full list of UPC and lot numbers can be found here:
- SPF 30 Baby Sunscreen Lotion 4oz -- UPC: 634084490091&634084490114 -- Lot #'s 3024A, 3057B, 3063A, 3063B, 3132A, 3133A
- SPF 30 Kids Sunscreen Lotion -- UPC: 634084490145 & 634084490169 -- Lot # 3164A
People can find the UPC and lot code numbers on the top front of the tube crimp.
Badger founder and CEO Bill Whyte said in a statement this was his company's first voluntary recall in 18 years.
"All of these lots passed the required microbiological and comprehensive challenge testing prior to sale," he said. "It was during routine re-testing that we discovered that the preservative system in several lots had been compromised."
He added his sunscreens have received top ratings from the Environmental Working Group. For its annual sunscreen guide, the environmental group gave Badger Aloe Vera Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 it's top score of "1," saying it has a "low" health concern and "good" UVA protection and UVA/UVB balance. That product is not involved in the current recall.
