CHPA Responds to Citizen Petition Calling on FDA to Suspend Sales of OTC Acne Products Containing Benzoyl Peroxide

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) released the following statement today in response to Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC filing a Citizen Petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), requesting the Agency "recall and suspend sales of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) from the US Market due to the presence of benzene."

"Benzene is not intentionally added to any over-the-counter (OTC) consumer product manufactured by CHPA's members, and proper quality control measures are in place to detect impurities and reduce potential contamination during the manufacturing process. OTC acne products containing benzoyl peroxide are FDA-regulated and held to high quality standards for safety. To further ensure product safety, inactive ingredients used in OTC medicines are also subject to strict standards. CHPA members continually work to ensure they are compliant with FDA regulations by testing, reviewing data, and, if necessary, implementing corrective action.

"Consumer trust is a responsibility CHPA manufacturers take very seriously, and their commitment to ensuring consumer safety remains the top priority."