Jakarta –

Unilever attracts several dry shampoos, including Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI and TRESemmé in the United States (US) and Canada. The reason for the recall is related to the potential for benzene in the product.

For information, benzene is a chemical which is said to cause cancer. Unilever explained that the recalled shampoos were dry shampoos produced before October 2021.

“Unilever USA and Canada are voluntarily withdrawing the specific production lot code for dry shampoo, not liquid shampoo, produced before October 2021 as a precautionary measure after an internal investigation identified increased benzene levels,” said Kristy Nelwan, communications manager at PT Unilever. Indonesia, in a written statement, Wednesday (26/10/2022).

He further explained Unilever Indonesia is not part of this dry shampoo recall. “Unilever Indonesia is not part of this dry shampoo recall,” he said.

Kristy further stated that the levels of benzene detected did not pose a health risk. This was obtained from an independent health impact assessment conducted by Unilever.

“An independent health impact assessment concluded that detectable levels of benzene did not pose a health risk,” he explained.

Kristy added that Unilever does not use benzene as an ingredient and has high global safety standards that limit traces of benzene that can occur due to its natural occurrence in certain raw materials.

Unilever Indonesia said it always complied with regulations set by the government. This is to ensure that the products in circulation can be used safely.

“We always operate with strict quality and safety standards and always adhere to all regulations set by the Indonesian government. Unilever Indonesia continues to actively cooperate with relevant authorities to ensure that products distributed in Indonesia are safe for the public,” he concluded.

(das/das)