In Brief

Energizer Holdings initiates a voluntary recall suggesting that users of its Banana Boat UltraMist continuous spray sunscreen products are still susceptible to burns, though not from the sun. More news in brief.

Energizer Recalls 23 Banana Boat Spray Sunscreens

In an Oct. 19 release, Energizer Holdings announces a voluntary recall of its Banana Boat UltraMist continuous spray sunscreen products “due to a potential risk of product igniting on the skin” if it comes in contact with an ignition source before the product is dry. The St. Louis-based firm says it has received five reports of adverse events in the U.S. and Canada involving burns associated with use of Banana Boat UltraMist Sport SPF 30 and 50 products specifically. Energizer suggests that the issue stems from the containers’ spray valve, which dispenses more product “than is typical in the industry for continuous sun-care sprays.” With extra product dispensed, it takes longer to dry and may increase the risk of ignition if consumers are “in contact with a flame or spark.” Retailers are instructed to pull 23 Banana Boat products from store shelves, and consumers are advised to refrain from using the products. In July, FDA announced it was investigating a consumer injury linked to use of a Banana Boat spray sunscreen, and asked Energizer to provide the agency with information on adverse event reports it had received related to use of the product near flames and other heat sources (Also see "Spray Sunscreen Safety Review Heats Up As FDA Looks Into Burn Report" - HBW Insight, 23 Jul, 2012.).

Aveeno Baby Organic Harvest

Johnson and Johnson says it is “considering various options” with regard to its Aveeno Baby Organic Harvest Lotion, which no longer meets the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s standards under the National Organic Program. According to the company, the lotion was awarded “USDA Certified Organic” status in September 2011, but recently USDA and the California Department of Public Health determined the preservative used in the product – Leuconostoc fermentation filtrate – does not meet organic criteria. In a statement, the company said it is “disappointed” with the decision. Product in stores remains for sale while the company explores its options.

LVMH Cosmetics Sales Up 8%

For the first nine months of 2012, revenue derived from LVMH’s Perfumes & Cosmetics division totaled €2.6 bil. ($3.4 bil.), up 8% on an organic basis (with constant exchange rates) and 14% on a reported basis (with varying exchange rates) compared with the same period in 2011, firm reports Oct.15. Division was driven by Christian Dior scents, including the relaunch of Dior Addict, and new product additions to the Diorskin Nude makeup line. Guerlain also contributed to gains with the successful launch of fragrance La Petite Robe Noir. Paris-based LVMH notes that in its Selective Retailing division, Sephora “produced a remarkable performance, winning market share across all regions of the world.” The retailer opened its first store in Brazil in the most recent quarter, and internet sales in France and the U.S. were especially strong, the firm says. Sales in Selective Retailing were up 14% organically and 25% on a reported basis to €5.5 bil. ($7.1 bil) for the first nine months of 2012.

Ulta Seeks CFO

Retailer Ulta Beauty announces it has appointed Scott Settersten as acting CFO following the resignation of CFO Bruce Hartman, effective immediately. Hartman started the job Sept. 6, replacing Gregg Bodnar, who had been in the CFO position since 2006 before stepping down for health reasons (Also see "People In Brief" - HBW Insight, 10 Sep, 2012.). In an Oct. 18 release, Ulta notes that Hartman’s separation from the firm is not related to disputes with management or board, the firm’s operational performance, finances “or issues regarding the integrity of the company’s financial statements or accounting policies and practices.” Settersten has been vice president for accounting at Ulta since 2010, having joined the firm in 2005 as director of financial reporting. The board has initiated a search for a permanent CFO.

ICCVAM On Animal Use For Eye Tests

In an Oct. 10 Federal Register notice, the National Toxicology Program’s Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods recommends new procedures using fewer animals for federal agencies conducting eye hazard testing. The new procedures would result in 50% to 83% fewer animals being used than in current eye-hazard test procedures, ICCVAM says. While current test procedures – which vary among the agencies – may mandate a minimum of six animals per eye hazard test, the new procedures recommend a maximum of three animals per test. ICCVAM emphasizes that in vitro test methods “should always be considered before using animals for eye safety testing.” ICCVAM has transmitted its recommendations to federal agencies, which have 180 days to comment.