P&G recalls Secret, Old Spice aerosol sprays for Benzene; joins J&J, Beiersdorf, Odor Eaters, Tinactin

Written on: November 24, 2021 by SprayTM

The Procter & Gamble Company  is voluntarily recalling all lots with expiry through September 2023 of specific Old Spice and Secret aerosol spray antiperspirants and Old Spice Below Deck aerosol spray products sold in the United States, and listed in the table below, to the consumer level due to the presence of benzene detected.

(Photo: Business Wire)

Specific Products included in Voluntary P&G Aerosol Spray Antiperspirant Recall

Risk Statement: 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. Based on exposure modeling and the cancer risk assessments published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (IRIS database), daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences. Benzene is ubiquitous in the environment. Humans around the world have daily exposures to it indoors and outdoors from multiple sources. To date, The Procter & Gamble Company has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall and is conducting this recall out of an abundance of caution.

The affected products are used as antiperspirants and hygiene products and are packaged in aerosol cans. See table below for Product names and UPC codes and images for further descriptions. We are recalling all lots with expiry through September 2023 of the below products:

The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the United States through retail outlets and online. All other Old Spice and Secret products are not impacted by this issue and may continue to be used as intended. This represents the vast majority of our products, including body spray products, solid sticks, soft solids and gel antiperspirants and deodorant products.

The Procter & Gamble Company has notified its retailers to remove products from shelves. Old Spice and Secret will also offer reimbursement for consumers who have purchased products impacted by this recall. Consumers should stop using and appropriately discard the affected aerosol spray products.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can seek more information via the Consumer Care team at 888-339-7689 from Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 6:00pm EST. Consumers can also visit www.oldspice.com or www.secret.com for more information about the impacted products and to learn how to receive reimbursement for eligible products. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to using these products.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

• Complete and submit the report Online: https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program
• Regular Mail or Fax: Download form at https://www.fda.gov/ or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Read more about further current recalls of aerosol products with benzene here:

Odor Eaters

Tinactin & Lotrimin

Coppertone Beiersdorf

J&J Neutrogena & Aveeno