Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) today blasted the latest delay by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in implementing a requirement for sunscreen manufacturers to disclose the protection products offer not just from sunburn-causing UVB rays, but also from skin cancer-causing UVA rays.

“Nearly five years after the FDA issued draft regulations to protect consumers and their children from skin cancer, it is an embarrassment that the regulations are still not finalized.  I am appalled to learn that yet another summer will go by without consumers having adequate information to protect themselves and their family. 

“Comprehensive and accurate information about skin protection is critical to decrease incidence of skin cancer.

“A rule for UVA protection was first proposed five years ago. The foot-dragging at FDA must stop.”

In August 2007, in response to legislation drafted by Lowey, FDA issued draft regulations to require sunscreen manufacturers to disclose the protection their products offer not just against sunburn-causing UVB rays, but against skin cancer-causing UVA rays.  Lowey also successfully included requirements to finalize the regulations through the 2012 Agriculture Appropriations Act.

The regulations were finalized on June 15, 2011 and manufacturers were given 12 months to comply.  FDA announced today through the Federal Register that manufacturers will be given an additional 6 months to comply, denying consumers this important information for yet another summer.

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