An Australian law firm is calling for parents to join a a potential class action against Banana Boat after a mother claimed she and her five children were burnt while using the sunscreens.
The woman’s claim prompted Bannister Law to commission independent testing of the Banana Boat aerosol sunscreens. The popular brand is sold in pharmacies and supermarkets across Australia.
According to the Melbourne law firm, seven of the brand’s aerosol sunscreens failed to provide the SPF 50+ rating advertised. All seven sunscreens had an average SPF of 20 or lower when tested by Eurofins Dermatest.
Charles Bannister, Founder and Principal of Bannister Law, says: “Parents who’ve purchased Banana Boat Kids Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+ for their children are likely to be particularly concerned.
“It is evident that our client’s experiences with her children’s sunburn are not isolated. Previous media coverage and numerous posts on Banana Boat’s own social media suggest a widespread trend.”
The company is investigating whether there is enough material to launch a Banana Boat class action.
Banana backlash
Angry parents are swamping social media with stories and photos of children allegedly sunburnt after using Banana Boat products.
A post on the CHOICE Facebook site has received almost 4000 comments since yesterday, including this photo from mum, Kristianna Davis, who claims her daughter was sunburnt after using the company’s spray-on sunscreens,
“I will not buy Banana Boat products again,” the Melbourne mum wrote on Facebook.
Company says sunscreens a-ok
But the company is standing by its sunscreens, despite the massive social media backlash. In a statement to News Corp, a spokeswoman for the manufacturers of Banana Boat, Edgewell Personal Care Australia, says:
“We disagree and question the anomalous SPF results provided by Dermatest. These results are entirely inconsistent with the testing we have conducted at Edgewell’s reputable labs in accordance with the Australian mandatory standard as regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). All Banana Boat products meet the SPF claim as labelled on pack.
“To further support this the TGA has recently undertaken independent testing, which included Banana Boat Ultra Very High Protection Clear Spray SPF50+ sunscreen, and found that all products tested contained the correct levels of active ingredients as specified on their labelling and complied with the Australian regulatory guidelines for sunscreens.
“At Banana Boat our number one priority is providing effective sun protection for Australian consumers. We stand behind the efficacy of our products.”
Anyone who has purchased one or more of the Banana Boat products to can register their interest in the potential Banana Boat class action with Bannister Law.
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