Australia Issues Product Recall Over Lucas' Papaw Ointment Due to Microbial Contamination Affecting Immunocompromised People

Customers of a well-known papaw ointment in Australia are asked to check their goods right now as Lucas' Papaw Remedies recalls numerous batches because of contamination.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration issued a recall of popular pawpaw salve on Wednesday after discovering four types of fungus and bacteria in 11 batches across three size variants.

The 'crimp' at the top of 15g ointment tubes and the bottom of 75g and 200g containers are where you can find the batch numbers.

(Photo : JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)
A participant applies some ointment on his feet during the XXI 101km international cross-country competition in Setenil de las Bodegas on May 12, 2018. - About 8.500 participants, including runners, mountain bikers and duathletes, run a track of 101 km (63 miles) in less than 24 hours through the "Serrania de Ronda" (Ronda Mountain Range) during a competition organised by the Spanish Legion's "Alejandro Farnesio" 4th Regiment.

Lucas' Papaw Ointment Batches Recalled in Australia

In a Facebook post, Lucas Papaw Remedies listed the affected goods identified in the recall in three sizes. Below are the batch numbers with sizes and expiry dates:

Product Size: 15 grams

00522D22 - April 2025
00822E25 May 2025
00822E26 - May 2025
00822E27 - May 2025
00822F01 -June 2025
00822F03 -June 2025
00822F06 -June 2025
00822E31 - May 2025

Product Size: 75 grams

00522E04 -May 2025
00522E05 - May 2025

Product Size: 200 grams

00822E30 -May 2025

Daily Mail said major Australian retailers, including Woolworths, Chemist Warehouse, and Target, sell the well-liked lip balm and ointment.

According to Australia's pharmaceutical authority, mold and bacteria were discovered in many batches, posing a risk of infection for those with weak immune systems.

Aspergillus tubingensis, Sordaria humana, Penicillium paneum, and Paenibacillus glucanolyticus are the microbes that infected the aforementioned batches, 9News.au reported.

The TGA has cautioned that while most people pose little danger from exposure to these molds and bacteria, those with weaker immune systems may experience illness.

ALSO READ: Listeriosis: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Recorded Florida with the Highest Listeria Outbreak

Uses of Papaw Ointment

Numerous consumers of Lucas' Papaw Ointment benefit from its soothing and cleansing properties every day, its official website claims. The topical ointment can be applied locally and possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. The ointment is popularly used for the following.

Mosquito Bites and Burns

Lucas' Papaw Ointment is the best topical treatment for discomfort from non-venomous insect bites and stings, such as mosquito bites. The irritation and suffering from the sting are soothed and eliminated by Lucas' Papaw Ointment. Lucas' Papaw Ointment is frequently used to relieve a variety of minor burns, including sunburn, superficial small-area scalds, and injuries from cooking.

Rashes

Since more than a century ago, Lucas' Papaw Ointment has been used to help treat diaper rash on the delicate bottoms of infants. It calms irritated skin, treats rashes, and serves as a soft yet effective barrier to shield newborns' sensitive skin from diaper rash, dryness, and irritation. The healing enzymes in papaws act to soothe and repair the existing damaged regions while shielding the skin from extended durations of dampness. Additionally, it has previously been honored with buyers' choice awards for infant items.

Sports Injuries

Many activities, including running, cycling, long-distance swimming, and team sports, are prone to grazing and chafing problems. Use Lucas' Papaw Ointment as a barrier to stop or relieve chafing. Additionally, it works as a healer for minor wounds and grazes that might occasionally occur during sports. Every sports bag must now have Lucas' Papaw Ointment, which is used to soothe and cure chafing in all levels of sportsmen.

Wounds

Lucas' Papaw Ointment helps cure and soothe irritated, chapped, or cracked skin. It is frequently used to treat minor open wounds. Splinters, thorns, mild burns, scalds, sunburn, gravel rash, cuts, and small open wounds can all be treated with it. Using Lucas' Papaw Ointment on wounds can hasten the healing process and skin recovery.

Why Product Recalls Are Necessary

Rockland Times explained that product recalls are crucial for consumers because they remove dangerous goods from the market before they cause injury or death. Manufacturers aim to reduce the risk of damage or harm caused by a faulty product in a recall in addition to removing the potential harm.

Customers will be informed of the risks and the requirement that the product is fixed or updated during high-profile recalls.

Buyers will receive a refund or a replacement if the recalled product does not meet the performance criteria initially claimed, even if there is no design flaw or defect. Because they are not trapped with a subpar product they paid for with their hard-earned money, customers gain even more from recalls.