Summary
Australia's sunscreen regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), plans to change the rules for sunscreens after tests showed many products did not provide the protection they claimed. These changes include simplifying labels and increasing oversight of testing labs. The move aims to restore trust in sunscreen protection in a country with high skin cancer rates.
Key Facts
- Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
- A consumer group's test found many sunscreens in Australia did not provide the protection they advertised.
- The TGA proposes new rules to improve sunscreen testing and labelling.
- Changes include better oversight of testing labs and clearer labels like "low," "medium," "high," and "very high" protection.
- The safety of sunscreen ingredients and products for children will not be part of the review.
- The proposal is in response to issues with a leading lab and a common sunscreen formula.
- Each year, around 2,000 Australians die from skin cancer or melanoma.
- Sunscreens in Australia are regulated as medicines and reviewed after being sold.
