WATCH OUT: Cult-favourite topical product recalled due to possible contamination

A topical ointment that has been an Australian staple for years and is considered a miracle cure for minor skin wounds, as well as skin dryness and lip chafing, is being recalled in several batches due to possible contamination.

This product, which is easily recognisable by its iconic red tube packaging, has been a favourite among epidermally-conscious people for years, from the average Aussie, to models and celebrities.

It's possible that you already have this one stashed away in the cupboard of your bathroom, folks!



The Lucas' Papaw Ointment brand is recalling multiple batches of their product, which will affect a variety of different-sized containers (15g, 75g and 200g sizes) with varying expiration dates.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration, which announced the advisory on Wednesday, claims that the reason for the recall is microbial contamination.

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Popular ointment for dry skin and wounds is recalled due to contamination. Credit: TGA.

Aspergillus tubingensis, Sordaria humana, Penicillium paneum, and Paenibacillus glucanolyticus are the microorganisms that caused the products to be taken off the market.

Although the general public is not at high risk from these moulds and bacteria, immunocompromised individuals may develop illnesses if they are exposed to these microorganisms.

The following are the batch numbers that have been affected:
  • 00522D22, 15g, Expiry April 2025
  • 00822E25, 15g, Expiry May 2025
  • 00822E26, 15g, Expiry May 2025
  • 00822E27, 15g, Expiry May 2025
  • 00822F01, 15g, Expiry June 2025
  • 00822F03, 15g, Expiry June 2025
  • 00822F06, 15g, Expiry June 2025
  • 00822E31, 15g, Expiry May 2025
  • 00522E04, 75g, Expiry May 2025
  • 00522E05, 75g, Expiry May 2025
  • 00822E30, 200g, Expiry May 2025
The batch number can be found at the 'crimp' at the top of the 15g tube, or at the bottom of the 75g and 200g containers, and is advised to be checked by anyone who uses the cult product.



People who bought an ointment from a bad batch are told to "stop using it right away" and return it to where they bought it for a full refund.

Customers who are experiencing problems can also call Lucas' Papaw Remedies Customer Service at 1800 861 852.

At this time, there are no additional batches being recalled, nor are any other Lucas' Papaw Remedies products being pulled from shelves.

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People say that Lucas' Papaw Ointment is great for chapped, cracked, or sore lips that need to heal or feel better. Credit: SAYS.

There aren't many products associated with Australia that have achieved the same level of "cult" status as Lucas' Papaw Ointment.

The ubiquitous red tube of salve regularly made at the company's Brisbane-based headquarters has made its way into countless handbags and bathrooms across the country, and in recent years, it has attained cult status.

The ointment, which costs around $5 per tube, can be used for a variety of purposes, including lip balm, nappy rash salve, insect bite relief, and everything in between. What's not to like, right?



Well, according to Melbourne-based makeup artist Wanda Waller, there's one major problem with this well-liked pawpaw product: the name-brand fruit only makes up 4% of the formula and the remaining ingredient is petroleum jelly.

There have been rumours that petroleum jelly, also known as petrolatum, mineral oil, liquid paraffin, or paraffin oil, could be bad for your skin.

It is said to be a by-product of the oil industry, made from crude oil that has been refined and heavily processed. "It is the cheapest way you can make a moisturiser, one that feels amazing on the skin but is actually not that good for you," said Ms Waller.

The ointment is, in her words, "basically a repackaged more expensive version of Vaseline".

So... what are your thoughts, folks? If you have a bottle of Lucas Pawpaw ointment in your bathroom, we recommend you check it out right away!

If you're looking for a more natural alternative to petroleum jelly at home, try your hand at making this one instead! Check out the video below:



Credit: Fab How.
 

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