The Whippany New Jersey company Bayer voluntarily recalls all unexpired Lotrimin® AF and Tinactin® spray products with lot numbers beginning with TN, CV, or NAA, distributed between September 2018 to September 2021, to the consumer level due to the presence of benzene in some samples of the products.
Company officials said Benzene is not an ingredient in any of Bayer Consumer Health products.
"It is important to note that Bayer’s decision to recall these products voluntarily is a precautionary measure and that the levels detected are not expected to cause adverse health consequences in consumers," Bayer said in the statement.
Risk Statement: Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin.
Depending on duration and level of exposure, it can result in cancers including leukemia, blood cancer of the bone marrow, and blood disorders that can be life-threatening. Benzene is found in the environment from natural sources and human activity.
Humans around the world are exposed to it from multiple sources and pathways, including inhalation, through the skin, and orally. To date, Bayer has no known reports of adverse events related to this recall.
The affected Lotrimin® and Tinactin® spray products are over-the-counter antifungal products, sold individually or in combo packs.
The impacted products are:
- 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
There are no issues of concern with Lotrimin®/Tinactin® creams, including Lotrimin® Ultra, or any other Bayer products.
Bayer officials said the recalled products are all packaged in aerosol spray cans. The products were distributed in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico through various retail channels.
Bayer is also notifying its distributors and retailers by letter and is arranging for returns of all voluntarily recalled products. Consumers may request a refund by visiting www.lotrimin.com or www.tinactin.com, and may contact Bayer with questions by calling 1-866-360-3266.