CA has learned that a few of our members have been contacted by CBC Marketplace about a potential story related to sunscreen testing and SPF claims.
CA has not yet heard directly from the CBC so we are unable to confirm the scope or angle that the producers may be taking; however, we suspect that the root of this investigation is likely based on recent campaigns launched by certain consumer groups in Australia and New Zealand, wherein they question the accuracy of SPF label claims on a selection of products sampled in market and then tested by a third-party lab.
We understand that some have questioned the testing methodology, reproducibility and transparency of the analyses reflected in these campaigns, and that the Australian and New Zealand authorities are aware of the issue. We have also reached out to our colleagues at Accord Australia and CTFA New Zealand for more information.
At this juncture, it is unclear if CBC Marketplace has undertaken independent testing of their own, or if they are basing their investigation on Australian and New Zealand developments. It is also not clear at what stage their investigation is at.
CA will continue to monitor and share additional details as appropriate. In the interim, we will be drafting and sharing some standardized industry messages in the next few days.
RECOMMNEDED ACTIONS
If CBC has already been in contact with you regarding this potential investigation, and you have NOT YET outreached to CA Canada:
- Please notify us of this outreach (ca@cosmeticsalliance.ca [use subject header – “CBC Marketplace Outreach Sunscreens”]), so that we can track the scope of outreach and implications on our membership.
- If your brands have been tracking this issue in Australia/New Zealand, or in the event that you have already responded to a request from CBC marketplace, CA would appreciate understanding the details.
If CBC has NOT yet been in contact with you, please be advised that a producer from CBC may be in touch:
- Be prepared to re-affirm that sunscreens are regulated products in Canada
- Where appropriate/applicable, confirm that your products meet the rigorous safety and efficacy standards as established by Health Canada.
- Please notify CA of any such outreach (ca@cosmeticsalliance.ca [use subject header – “CBC Marketplace Outreach Sunscreens”]) such that we can provide any assistance required.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of these developments, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Regards,
Your CA Team!
