Australian media said on July 7 that the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced that multiple batches of Australian papaya cream Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment must be urgently recalled.
This product, which is often bought as a souvenir, has to be recalled due to microbial contamination.
This Australian papaya cream is pure natural papaya fermented. It contains papain, so it has anti-inflammatory effect, which can speed up the healing of small wounds. When there are burns, sunburns or scalds, you can apply some papaya cream. If you are bitten by mosquitoes and have rashes , prickly heat can also be used.
Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) quoted a notification issued by the TGA that the microorganisms involved in the contaminated products were Aspergillus tubingensis, Sordaria humana, Penicillium paneum and Paenibacillus glucanolyticus.
While the TGA said the risk to the public from these molds and bacteria was minimal, exposure to people with weakened immune systems could pose a "long-term risk."
The 11 affected batches are sold in 15g, 75g and 200g packs.
The affected batch numbers are:
00522D22, 15g, valid until April 2025;
00822E25, 15g, valid until May 2025;
00822E26, 15g, valid until May 2025;
00822E27, 15g, valid until May 2025;
00822F01, 15g, valid until June 2025;
00822F03, 15g, valid until June 2025;
00822F06, 15g, valid until June 2025;
00822E31, 15g, valid until May 2025;
00522E04, 75g, valid until May 2025;
00522E05, 75g, valid until May 2025;
00822E30, 200g, valid until May 2025.
The authorities reminded consumers to remember to check the packaging of the product to check the relevant information, the batch number of the 15g stick is displayed on the top of the twist cap, and the 75g and 200g cans are on the bottom of the bottle.
Consumers who have purchased affected batches should immediately discontinue the product and return it to the point of sale for a refund.
