Some Unilever products made prior to Oct. 2021 were recalled due to elevated levels of benzene, which can cause cancer. By. FDA
Unilever U.S., the maker of several popular dry shampoo products has voluntarily recalled items in some of its brands due to elevated levels of benzene, which can cause cancer.
The dry shampoo products recalled were made before October 2021 and sold under the brands Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé, the company revealed in a statement.
The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the United States. Retailers have been notified to remove recalled products from shelves, according to Unilever. A complete list of the affected products can be found here.
Unilever said daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences. "Unilever U.S. is recalling these products out of an abundance of caution. Unilever has received no reports of adverse events to date relating to this recall," the firm said in its statement.
An internal investigation identified the propellant as the source, and Unilever said it has worked with its propellant suppliers to address this issue.
Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life threatening. Benzene is ubiquitous in the environment. Humans around the world have daily exposures to it indoors and outdoors from multiple sources.
Unilever urged consumers to stop using the affected aerosol dry shampoo products and visit UnileverRecall.com for instructions on how to receive reimbursement for eligible products.
If consumers have further questions, they may also contact Unilever U.S. by calling (877) 270-7412, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program here.
