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.
"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."
