FDA took significant action to tackle benzene contamination that was first identified by Valisure’s March 2021 FDA Citizen Petition detecting benzene in hand sanitizers, followed by a variety of consumer products including, sunscreens, antiperspirants, and other products. In new guidance, the FDA urged  manufacturers to reformulate various drug products containing  “carbomer” gelling agents, which, as Valisure’s Petition pointed out, pose a high risk of benzene contamination. This guidance targets creams, gels, lotions, ointments, tablets, capsules, and oral suspensions.

FDA took significant action to tackle benzene contamination that was first identified by Valisure’s March 2021 FDA Citizen Petition detecting benzene in hand sanitizers, followed by a variety of consumer products including, sunscreens, antiperspirants, and other products. In new guidance, the FDA urged  manufacturers to reformulate various drug products containing  “carbomer” gelling agents, which, as Valisure’s Petition pointed out, pose a high risk of benzene contamination. This guidance targets creams, gels, lotions, ointments, tablets, capsules, and oral suspensions.