The Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS), in response to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory, is advising all local suppliers and the general public to discontinue the sale and/or use of two (2) Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant products distributed by Unilever in the United States (see below).
The advisory results from a voluntary recall due to the presence of slightly elevated levels of benzene (a human carcinogen) in these product samples. Benzene is a substance that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure.
The lots of the two (2) Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirants in question have been identified below:
· Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant Powder (4 oz, 6 oz)
o Universal Product Codes (UPC): 079400751508; 079400784902
· Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant Fresh (6 oz)
o Universal Product Codes (UPC): 079400785503
No other Unilever or Suave products are in the scope of this recall. Unilever is recalling all lots of the affected products with an expiration date through September 2023.
The MoHHS therefore implores all local suppliers to:
Immediately stop supplying the affected batches of the brands listed above.
Notify your overseas vendors.
Quarantine all remaining stock(s) of the identified brands for possible disposal by the Environmental Health Department.
Additionally, the MoHHS wishes to advise consumers to stop using the affected products and contact their respective local suppliers. Consumers may contact the Environmental Health Department at 338-2142 for more information on how best to dispose of these antiperspirant products. In addition, consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have any questions, concerns or have experienced any problems related to the use of these antiperspirant products. Consumers are also advised to report any side effects via the MoHHS’ Adverse Drug Reaction Form found at https://gov.tc/docs/ADR.pdf.
The MoHHS’ top priority is to ensure public health safety and will therefore continue to monitor this situation as investigations continue.
For further information, please contact the MoHHS at 338-3072.
