Senator calls for FDA sunscreen investigation

A top Senate lawmaker is demanding an investigation into whether major sunscreen brands actually contain the sun-protection factor (SPF) they claim.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, is calling for the Food and Drug Administration to take investigative action after a Consumer Reports study found that 43 percent of the sunscreens tested failed to meet the SPF claim on the label.

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"Beachgoers and vacationers deserve the peace of mind to know that the sunscreen they're using is offering legitimate protection against the sun's harmful rays," Schumer said in a statement.

According to Schumer, the rate of melanoma has doubled in the United States  since the FDA looked into deceptive sunscreen marketing more than 30 years ago.

"This is really a place where FDA needs to get on the ball and take some action," said David Andrews, of the Environmental Working Group, a Washington non-profit vironmental research organization.
 
The FDA would not commit to new investigative actions in response to Schumer's request.

The FDA said in a statement, "All drug products, including sunscreens, are subject to FDA inspection and sunscreen products that are found not to be in compliance with applicable regulations are subject to FDA regulatory actions."

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