Sunscreen Complaint Challenged

16 december 2005

Sunscreen Complaint Challenged

Complaints lodged with the Commerce Commission about three sunscreen brands are being challenged by the Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association.

Executive Director Garth Wyllie today said "the claims show a lack of understanding by the Cancer Society on how new forms of Sunscreen work".

Some heath care groups rely on information sourced from Australia which has outdated regulation and adhere to the joint Standard AS/NZS 2604 which was written over 7 years ago in 1998 and is in need of review.

Since that time the development of sunscreens used elsewhere in the world has moved exponentially, meaning that international companies have been able to bring into New Zealand high quality and more effective sunscreens than are available in Australia.

Discussions are currently being held globally to develop international standards which will recognise newer technologies.

Our skin cancer rate is no greater than Australia even though we are closer to the Ozone hole and generally have a clearer atmosphere which would indicate that the New Zealand regulatory regime is working well.

The Health Sponsorship Council and the New Zealand Cancer Society should be endorsing and encouraging such new innovative sunscreens that offer better protection and stop relying on the old technology that is regulated in Australia.

It is important to ensure that New Zealanders have access to the best protection available and are encouraged to use this protection.

ENDS

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