On October 1, Bayer recalled certain batches of Lotrimin® and Tinactin® Anti-Fungal Sprays due to contamination with benzene, a toxic cancer-causing chemical.
The recall involves all unexpired Lotrimin® AF and Tinactin® Anti-Fungal Spray products with lot numbers beginning with TN or CV:
- Lotrimin® Anti-Fungal (AF) Athlete’s Foot Powder Spray
- Lotrimin® Anti-Fungal Jock Itch (AFJI) Athlete’s Foot Powder Spray
- Lotrimin® Anti-Fungal (AF) Athlete’s Foot Deodorant Powder Spray
- Lotrimin® AF Athlete’s Foot Liquid Spray
- Lotrimin® AF Athlete’s Foot Daily Prevention Deodorant Powder Spray
- Tinactin® Jock Itch (JI) Powder Spray
- Tinactin® Athlete’s Foot Deodorant Powder Spray
- Tinactin® Athlete’s Foot Powder Spray
- Tinactin® Athlete’s Foot Liquid Spray
These products may be contaminated with “low levels of residual solvent benzene,” according to the recall notice.
Benzene was detected in some samples of the final product. It was not added to the products as an ingredient, but instead, was likely left over as an impurity during the manufacturing process.
Bayer claimed that the amount of benzene detected was low, and “would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.” No injuries or adverse events were reported as of October 1, 2021.
Even so, benzene is classified as a human carcinogen by the American Cancer Society. Benzene can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or swallowed.
“Depending on duration and level of exposure, it can result in cancers including leukemia, and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life-threatening,” the recall warns.
The recalls follow several similar recalls involving spray sunscreen products manufactured by Coppertone, Johnson & Johnson, CVS, and others. A growing number of lawsuits have also been filed by people who were diagnosed with cancer after using recalled products.
Bayer is asking consumers to request a refund by visiting www.lotrimin.com or www.tinactin.com, or by calling 1-866-360-3266, Monday-Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
