David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Certain Option+ and Personelle sunscreens voluntarily recalled because of bacterial contamination
Health Canada
November 19, 2018
One lot each of Option+ Family Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ and Personnelle Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ have been voluntarily recalled by Empack Spraytech Inc. because of bacterial contamination.

The sunscreens were found to contain multiple types of bacteria:
What you should do
Consumers who have bought or used these products.
Affected products
Background
Micrococcus luteus may cause various infections, including skin infections and occasionally serious problems such as meningitis, septic shock (dangerously low blood pressure in response to an infection), septic arthritis (infection in a joint usually caused by bacteria), pneumonia endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart valves most often caused by infection), or sepsis (a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection). The risk may be higher for children and individuals with a weakened immune system.
Staphylococcus hominis novobiosepticus may cause infections which can be resistant to antibiotics. It has been documented to cause infections of the bloodstream, mainly in healthcare settings. The risk may be higher for children and individuals with a weakened immune system.
Public enquiries
(613) 957-2991
1-866-225-0709
Health Canada
November 19, 2018
One lot each of Option+ Family Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ and Personnelle Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ have been voluntarily recalled by Empack Spraytech Inc. because of bacterial contamination.


The sunscreens were found to contain multiple types of bacteria:
- Lactobacillus brevis, and
- Either Micrococcus luteus or Staphylococcus hominis novobiosepticus (see table below).
What you should do
- Do not use the recalled products identified above. Consult with your health care professional if you have used these products and have health concerns.
- Contact Empack Spraytech Inc. if you have questions about this recall by emailing quality@empack.ca or calling toll-free at 1-866-923-2665.
- Report any health product-related adverse reactions or complaints to Health Canada.
Consumers who have bought or used these products.
Affected products
Product | Issue | DIN | Lot | Expiry | Units Distributed |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Option+ Family Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ | Lactobacillus brevis, Micrococcus luteus | 02395924 | 24232 | EXP JAN 19 | 5,924 |
Personnelle Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ | Lactobacillus brevis, Staphylococcus hominis novobiosepticus | 02395959 | 2423224232 | EXP JAN 19 | 5,944 |
Background
Micrococcus luteus may cause various infections, including skin infections and occasionally serious problems such as meningitis, septic shock (dangerously low blood pressure in response to an infection), septic arthritis (infection in a joint usually caused by bacteria), pneumonia endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart valves most often caused by infection), or sepsis (a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection). The risk may be higher for children and individuals with a weakened immune system.
Staphylococcus hominis novobiosepticus may cause infections which can be resistant to antibiotics. It has been documented to cause infections of the bloodstream, mainly in healthcare settings. The risk may be higher for children and individuals with a weakened immune system.
Public enquiries
(613) 957-2991
1-866-225-0709