SYDNEY — Three variants of Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ are being urgently recalled in Australia and New Zealand after testing showed the products may not deliver the level of sun protection claimed on their labels, the Therapeutic Goods Administration announced.

AC Newco Pty Ltd, trading as Advanced Cosmeceuticals and acting on behalf of the UK-based skincare brand Medik8, initiated the voluntary recall of all unexpired batches of the affected sunscreens on April 1, 2026. The recall covers five specific batches across three products: the standard Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ 60mL, the Professional version 60mL, and the 15mL “Try Me” size often included in post-treatment kits.

The TGA warning states the products are “unlikely to meet their labelled Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating.” A lower-than-advertised SPF increases the risk of sunburn during use and may reduce long-term protection against skin cancer, the agency noted.

Affected batches include:

• Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ Professional 60mL (ARTG 331064): Batch A1798B (expiry August 2026) and Batch A2651A (expiry April 2028)
• Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ 60mL (ARTG 331064): Batch A1798B and Batch A2651B (both with August 2026 or April 2028 expiry dates)
• Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ Try Me 15mL (ARTG 331064): Affected batches included in certain kits

The products were sold in Australia and New Zealand between August 2023 and March 2026. Consumers who purchased any of these items are urged to stop using them immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Alternatively, they can contact the recall hotline at 02 7248 5617 or email medik8spfrecall@acskingroup.com, providing proof of purchase or a photo of the product and batch details.

Medik8 described the action as a precautionary measure following updated independent SPF testing. In a statement shared with media outlets, the brand emphasized its commitment to product safety and quality. “We are voluntarily recalling Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF 50 from the Australian and New Zealand market,” the company told Allure magazine. No similar recall has been announced for other markets where the sunscreen is sold.

The recall highlights ongoing scrutiny of sunscreen efficacy in Australia, a country with one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Australian sunscreen standards are among the strictest globally, requiring products to undergo rigorous in-vitro and in-vivo testing to verify SPF claims. The TGA regularly monitors compliance and has issued previous recalls for sunscreens failing to meet labeled protection levels.

Dermatologists and skin cancer experts stressed the importance of using reliable sunscreens. “An SPF50+ product that underperforms could leave users with a false sense of security, especially during peak UV hours,” said Dr. Elena Thompson, a Sydney-based dermatologist. “Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays is critical, and consumers should always check for the Australian TGA listing number on the packaging.”

The affected Medik8 sunscreen is a physical (mineral) formula relying on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for protection. These ingredients sit on the skin’s surface to reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them, making the product popular among those with sensitive skin. However, formulation stability, particle size and proper application all influence real-world performance.

Consumers with the recalled products should dispose of them safely if a return is not possible, though the TGA encourages returns to facilitate proper accounting and potential further testing. No reports of adverse events linked to the products have been publicly detailed, but the agency advises anyone experiencing unusual skin reactions after use to seek medical advice and report it via the TGA website.

The recall comes during the southern hemisphere’s autumn, but UV levels remain high in many parts of Australia, particularly in northern regions. Health authorities continue to recommend daily sunscreen use as part of sun-safe behavior, alongside protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and seeking shade during peak sun hours (typically 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

Medik8, known for its professional-grade skincare focused on ingredients like vitamin C, retinoids and antioxidants, has built a loyal following in Australia through clinics and selected retailers. The brand’s Physical Sunscreen was marketed as a lightweight, non-greasy option suitable for daily wear under makeup or alone.

This is not the first time a premium sunscreen brand has faced SPF-related issues in Australia. Previous recalls have involved both local and imported products, underscoring the challenges of maintaining consistent protection in real-world manufacturing and storage conditions.

The TGA maintains a public database of recalls and safety alerts. Consumers can check the agency’s website or the product’s ARTG entry (331064) for the latest updates. Pharmacies and retailers that stocked the Medik8 sunscreen have been notified and are expected to remove affected stock from shelves.

For those seeking alternatives, the TGA recommends choosing sunscreens with clear SPF50+ or SPF50 labeling, broad-spectrum protection and a visible ARTG number. Water-resistant formulas may be preferable for outdoor activities, but all sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Skin cancer prevention remains a public health priority in Australia, with campaigns like Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide reinforcing comprehensive sun protection strategies. Experts note that no sunscreen offers 100% protection, making layered approaches essential.

As the recall progresses, AC Newco and Medik8 are working with the TGA to manage returns and refunds efficiently. The company has assured customers that other Medik8 products are unaffected and continue to meet all safety and efficacy standards.

Consumers with questions about the recall or concerns about sun protection are encouraged to consult their pharmacist, dermatologist or visit the TGA website for further guidance. With skin cancer rates remaining high, authorities stress the importance of using verified, effective sunscreens as part of daily routines.

The incident serves as a reminder that even established brands can face quality control challenges, and regulatory oversight plays a vital role in protecting public health. Australians are advised to stay vigilant with product recalls and prioritize sun safety measures throughout the year.

Cambio Roasters has put together a “dream team” with experience working in the C-suites of some of the biggest names in the food and beverage industries with the goal of helping to revolutionize the world of single-serve coffee. The team at Cambio Roasters is looking to help Americans have a better-tasting and more sustainable cup of coffee without drastically changing their routines or shrinking their wallets.

In February 2024, Keurig Dr. Pepper announced in its Q4 2023 report that approximately 40 million American households had a Keurig brewing system, meaning that millions of plastic K-Cups, also known as coffee pods, were thrown in landfills. Cambio Roasters is looking to put an end to the mass waste by introducing an aluminum alternative.

“The coffee doesn’t actually like the plastic because plastic lets in too much oxygen to keep the coffee’s magic,” Cambio Roasters CEO and co-Founder Kevin Hartley explained to Fox Business. Plastic is porous and allows oxygen in, damaging the coffee’s flavor, whereas aluminum keeps the coffee air-tight and fresh, according to Hartley.

KEURIG RECALLS MORE THAN 80K MCCAFÉ DECAF K-CUP PODS OVER CAFFEINE MIX-UP

Cambio Roasters makes aluminum coffee pods. (Courtesy of Cambio Roasters)

Hartley was previously a C-suite executive at Keurig Green Mountain before its merger with Dr Pepper, where he helped drive the company’s growth. He co-founded Cambio Roasters with Ann Hutson, who has a background in strategic marketing and program management. The company’s leadership team also includes COO Mike Cunningham and CMO Dave Sachs, both former Keurig Green Mountain executives.

Hartley, Cunningham and Sachs all underscored the pride they have in the work they did for Keurig, with Sachs saying that they all remain “big fans” of the machine. However, they also noted an increase in consumers’ concerns about the amount of single-use plastic that gets thrown out daily as well as the consumption of microplastics.

Consumers have become increasingly concerned about the presence of microplastics in food and beverages, especially when the items are exposed to heat while in plastic containers. However, the long-term health risks are still not fully understood.

Mohamed Abdallah, a professor of environmental chemistry at the University of Birmingham in the U.K. who studied the issue, told Time that he found “significant levels of microplastics” when inspecting coffee made from pods. He confirmed the source of the microplastics by tracing them back to the plastics used to make the pod, according to Time.

“I just can’t see how plastic is going to be sustainable. I mean, it’s just people are becoming much more aware and concerned about the environment, concerned about what’s going into their body, and they’re looking for options,” Hutson told Fox Business.

Left to Right: Cambio Roasters COO Mike Cunningham, CMO Dave Sachs, Co-Founder Ann Hutson and CEO and Co-Founder Kevin Hartley. (Courtesy of Cambio Roasters)

WHO STARTED KEURIG’S K-CUP COFFEE POD?

While consumers are worried about microplastics, there are still aspects of single-serve coffee pods that keep them coming back, which is what Cambio Roasters aims to keep.

“What they love about it is it’s perfect every time, it’s simple, it’s fast, there’s no mess, no cleanup, one cup at a time. We thought there’s got to be a better way to deliver those benefits to the consumer. And we believe we found one that offers both a fresher cup of coffee and less waste,” Sachs said.

Cunningham explained that while the plastic used in coffee pods is recyclable in theory, there are multiple issues that prevent them from being turned into new pods or other items. First, the size of the pods makes it so they often go into the trash. Second, it’s cheaper to buy virgin plastic than recycled plastic, making it less likely that a single-use coffee pod gets turned into something else.

“You take aluminum and all those dynamics flip,” Cunningham explained. He said that because the diameter of an aluminum pod expands when it is squeezed, it makes it less likely that the pods get lost in the process. Additionally, aluminum is more valuable to recyclers, making it more likely that they will work harder to get the pods recycled.

Cambio Roasters is looking to give Americans a better-tasting and more sustainable cup of coffee. (luza studios/iStock/Getty Images / Getty Images)

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The philosophy of reducing waste goes beyond the elimination of plastic from the pods. Cambio Roasters’ leadership also recognizes that traditional drip coffee causes waste.

“The factual truth is from a traditional drip coffee maker, the largest single consumer of coffee is the kitchen sink,” Cunningham said. “It’s not just the coffee, it’s all the water that went into growing the coffee and whatnot, so right off the bat, like we believe that the single serve coffee market has inherent value because you’re not wasting.”

Hartley also highlighted the company’s pledge to support struggling coffee-farming families, committing 20% of its profits to the effort. He said the initiative reflects a broader shift among consumers seeking products that align with both their preferences and their values. Cambio Roasters is betting that shift will reshape how Americans brew their morning coffee.

CANBERRA, Australia — Australia’s military modernization drive has equipped the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with some of the most advanced conventional weapons systems in the Indo-Pacific region as of 2026, emphasizing long-range strike, fifth-generation air power and sovereign munitions production to deter potential threats.

With a 2026 Global Firepower ranking around 17th worldwide, the ADF relies on high-technology platforms rather than mass numbers. Key investments under the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) enterprise, AUKUS partnership and integrated investment program have delivered capable systems across air, land and sea domains.

Here are the 10 best weapons in Australia’s arsenal in 2026, ranked by strategic impact, technological sophistication and operational effectiveness based on current ADF capabilities and recent deliveries:

1. Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Stealth Fighter — The Royal Australian Air Force operates a full fleet of 72 F-35As, including the latest Technology Refresh 3 upgrades. These fifth-generation stealth aircraft provide unmatched air superiority, sensor fusion and networked warfare capabilities. Armed with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, the F-35A forms the backbone of Australia’s air combat power and integrates seamlessly with allied forces.
2. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) with GMLRS and PrSM — The Australian Army has taken delivery of multiple HIMARS launchers, now paired with domestically produced Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles manufactured in Australia since early 2026. With a range exceeding 70 kilometers for GMLRS and up to 500+ kilometers for the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), these systems deliver precision long-range fires. Australia aims for high-rate production of up to 4,000 GMLRS annually by 2029, marking a major step toward sovereign guided weapons capability.
3. Boeing EA-18G Growler Electronic Attack Aircraft — Australia’s fleet of Growlers provides world-class electronic warfare support, jamming enemy radars and communications while protecting strike packages. The aircraft’s advanced ALQ-99 and Next Generation Jammer systems make it a force multiplier in contested environments.
4. Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet — Complementing the F-35A, the Super Hornets deliver multirole strike capability with a proven track record. Recent integration of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) has significantly enhanced their anti-surface warfare role.
5. M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tank — The Army is fielding upgraded Abrams tanks with enhanced armor, sensors and firepower. These heavy armor assets provide mobile protected firepower for high-intensity land operations, supported by new combat engineering variants.
6. AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle — Produced locally by Hanwha Defense, the Redback offers superior protection, mobility and firepower compared to older platforms. Equipped with a 30mm cannon and advanced optics, it serves as a key component of the Army’s future armored formations.
7. Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aerial Vehicle — The first Tritons enhance maritime surveillance and intelligence gathering over vast ocean areas. Operating at high altitudes for extended periods, these drones provide persistent wide-area monitoring critical for Australia’s maritime strategy.
8. Tomahawk Land Attack Missile — Integrated aboard Hobart-class destroyers and potentially other platforms, Tomahawk gives the Royal Australian Navy long-range precision strike capability reaching 2,500 kilometers. Over 200 have been ordered, bolstering naval surface strike options.
9. NASAMS Air Defence System with AMRAAM-ER — The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, enhanced with Australian CEA radars and AMRAAM-Extended Range missiles, provides layered medium-range air and missile defence. It ranks among the most advanced NASAMS configurations globally.
10. Collins-class Submarines (with future nuclear transition under AUKUS) — While conventionally powered, the upgraded Collins fleet remains a potent anti-submarine and strike asset. Preparations for the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program underscore Australia’s long-term undersea warfare ambitions.

These systems reflect Australia’s strategic shift toward “impactful projection” and deterrence through long-range strike and integrated air-sea-land operations. The GWEO plan has accelerated sovereign missile production, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. Local manufacturing of GMLRS at the new facility represents the first such capability outside the United States.

The Royal Australian Navy benefits from Hobart-class guided missile destroyers armed with Standard Missile-6 and Naval Strike Missiles, while Hunter-class frigates under construction will add further anti-submarine and surface warfare punch. Uncrewed systems, including the Ghost Bat loyal wingman drone and Ghost Shark autonomous underwater vehicle, are advancing rapidly in testing phases.

Small arms and infantry weapons remain modern but receive less public attention. The Enhanced F88 Austeyr bullpup rifle continues as the standard individual weapon, with ongoing evaluations for a future replacement under Land 159. Sniper systems include Accuracy International AX-SR rifles, while new sidearms like the SIG Sauer P320 are rolling out.

Experts note that Australia’s strength lies in quality, interoperability with allies (particularly the U.S. and U.K. through AUKUS and Quad) and rapid adoption of advanced technologies rather than sheer quantity. Challenges include a relatively small active force of around 59,000 personnel and the need to sustain high-tech platforms amid rising regional tensions.

Defense spending continues to grow, with significant allocations for munitions stockpiles, autonomous systems and cyber capabilities. The 2026 National Defence Strategy is expected to further refine force posture, emphasizing northern approaches and maritime denial.

For a nation with vast maritime approaches and limited population, these top weapons provide credible deterrence and the ability to contribute meaningfully to coalition operations. Ongoing investments in directed energy weapons, hypersonic research and AI-enabled systems suggest even more capable platforms on the horizon.

Australia’s defense industry has grown alongside these acquisitions, with local firms contributing to maintenance, upgrades and sovereign production. This approach enhances resilience and creates high-skilled jobs while supporting export potential.

As geopolitical dynamics evolve in the Indo-Pacific, Australia’s carefully selected arsenal of advanced weapons underscores its commitment to a rules-based order and strong alliances. The combination of stealth air power, precision rockets and integrated defence systems positions the ADF as a sophisticated, technologically advanced force capable of protecting national interests well into the future.

This article was written by

Follow

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of CP, UNP, ODFL, QXO either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

The leader of a trade group that represents most major automakers called on the federal government to eliminate its gasoline tax and replace it with a vehicle fee to finance road infrastructure needs.

Alliance for Automotive Innovation CEO John Bozzella, whose group represents automakers such as General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai and other leading car manufacturers, put forward a proposal that urged the federal government to address the growing shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund with a vehicle fee.

The proposal would function like a vehicle registration fee that’s assessed on all vehicles based on their weight, and was first reported by Reuters. It comes as the federal government’s current surface transportation law is set to expire on September 30, which could prompt debate over policy changes.

“This policy would guarantee every vehicle on the road contributes something to maintaining America’s transportation network,” Bozzella said. “Those driving older, less fuel-efficient vehicles or who travel long distances bear the financial burden. That’s not fair.”

AMERICANS DITCH EVS FOR BIGGER VEHICLES AS AUTO TRENDS REVERSE

An auto industry trade group is calling for a new vehicle registration tax to replace the gas tax. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Highway Trust Fund, which finances the federal government’s surface transportation programs involving highways and mass transit, is projected to reach insolvency in 2028, at which time it would face a 46% spending cut, according to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

Revenue from the 18.4-cents per gallon gasoline tax has declined 60% in real terms, as the federal gas tax hasn’t been increased since 1993 and wasn’t indexed to inflation.

THE $10,000 CAR LOAN TAX DEDUCTION: HERE’S WHO QUALIFIES AND HOW TO CLAIM IT

The federal gas tax hasn’t been raised since 1993 and has eroded due to inflation. (M. Scott Brauer/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The shortfall has caused Congress and successive administrations to shift more than $275 billion from the federal government’s general fund to help pay for road repairs since 2008, as spending has consistently outstripped revenue.

Gas tax revenue has also declined amid the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) and more fuel-efficient hybrids that reduce the frequency of fill-ups by drivers.

CAR DEALERS WARNED BY FTC ABOUT DECEPTIVE PRICING PRACTICES, HIDDEN FEES

The Highway Trust Fund helps finance federal spending on surface transportation programs. (Stephen Goin / Fox News)

A proposal by House Republicans last year would have imposed a new $250 annual fee on EVs and $100 for hybrid EVs, though it wasn’t included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Last year, an EV advocacy group known as the Electrification Coalition argued that the proposed $250 fee on EVs was unfair because an average gas-powered vehicle pays just $88 a year in federal gas taxes.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Reuters contributed to this report.

Many adults who consider themselves moderate drinkers may be unknowingly harming their livers by bingeing just once a month, according to new research from the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine that challenges long-held assumptions about “safe” occasional heavy drinking.

The study, published April 2, 2026, in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, found that people with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) who consume four or more drinks in a single day for women or five or more for men at least once a month face nearly three times the odds of developing advanced liver fibrosis compared with those who spread out the same total weekly alcohol intake more evenly.

MASLD, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, affects about one in three U.S. adults and is closely linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The condition causes fat to build up in the liver, making the organ more vulnerable to inflammation and scarring when exposed to alcohol spikes.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 8,000 U.S. adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2017 and 2023. Among nearly 4,000 participants with MASLD who had liver stiffness measurements via vibration-controlled transient elastography, 15.9% reported episodic heavy drinking — defined as the binge threshold at least once a month.

After adjusting for age, sex and average weekly alcohol consumption, those with episodic heavy drinking had 69% higher odds of significant liver fibrosis and nearly three times higher odds (adjusted odds ratio 2.76) of advanced fibrosis. The weighted prevalence of significant fibrosis was 23.6% among episodic heavy drinkers with MASLD versus 15.6% among those who did not binge.

Lead author Dr. Brian P. Lee, a hepatologist and liver transplant specialist at Keck Medicine of USC, said the findings deliver a clear message: “It’s not just how much you drink, but how you drink it.”

“When the liver is already fatty from metabolic issues, a sudden large influx of alcohol overwhelms its ability to process toxins, triggering intense inflammation that promotes scarring over time,” Lee explained in a university release. “Spreading the same number of drinks across the week appears far less damaging.”

The study compared individuals with identical average weekly intake but different patterns — one group with monthly binges, the other drinking more steadily. The difference in advanced fibrosis risk was striking even among people who stayed within generally accepted moderate limits of up to 14 drinks per week for men and seven for women.

More than half of all adults in the broader sample reported some form of episodic heavy drinking, underscoring how common the behavior is. For the roughly 100 million Americans with MASLD, the implications are significant, researchers said.

Liver fibrosis occurs when repeated injury causes scar tissue to replace healthy liver cells. In early stages it may produce no symptoms, but advanced fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. Once scarring reaches advanced levels, damage is often irreversible, though progression can sometimes be slowed with lifestyle changes.

Experts not involved in the study called the results concerning but consistent with emerging understanding of alcohol’s interaction with metabolic liver disease.

“This research highlights that binge patterns create acute stress the liver cannot fully recover from between episodes, especially when fat accumulation has already compromised function,” said Dr. Anna Mae Diehl, a hepatologist at Duke University who has studied MASLD for decades. “The old idea that moderate average intake is protective regardless of pattern needs updating.”

The findings add nuance to national drinking guidelines. While many health organizations define low-risk drinking by weekly totals, the USC study suggests daily peaks matter independently for people with underlying liver fat.

Public health implications could be broad. MASLD rates continue rising alongside obesity and diabetes epidemics. Many affected individuals remain undiagnosed because the disease is often silent until advanced stages. Routine screening for liver fat or fibrosis is not yet standard in primary care for all at-risk adults.

Researchers noted limitations in the observational data. Self-reported drinking can understate actual consumption, and the study could not prove causation, though the pattern held after statistical adjustments. Longitudinal studies tracking drinking habits and liver outcomes over years would strengthen the evidence.

Still, the authors argue the results should prompt clinicians to ask patients not only how much they drink weekly but whether they have heavy drinking days.

“Patients with MASLD should be counseled to avoid binge episodes entirely, even if their average intake seems moderate,” Lee recommended. “Complete abstinence from alcohol remains the safest option for those with known liver disease, but for others, spreading intake and staying well below binge thresholds appears wiser.”

The study also examined how reclassifying episodic heavy drinkers might shift diagnoses between MASLD, metabolic and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD), and pure alcohol-associated liver disease. Including binge patterns increased the proportion identified as having alcohol-related contributions.

As awareness grows, experts hope the research will encourage more honest conversations about drinking patterns during medical visits. Simple blood tests and noninvasive liver scans can now detect fibrosis earlier, offering opportunities for intervention before irreversible damage occurs.

For the general public, the takeaway is cautionary: an occasional “big night” that feels harmless may carry hidden costs, particularly for the millions already living with fatty liver.

Lifestyle measures that help overall metabolic health — weight management, regular exercise, blood sugar control and a balanced diet — also support liver resilience. Reducing or eliminating alcohol provides additional protection.

The USC team plans further research into mechanisms, genetic factors and whether certain populations face even higher vulnerability. In the meantime, the April 2026 publication serves as a timely reminder that when it comes to alcohol and liver health, the pattern of consumption may matter as much as the total volume.

Health organizations are reviewing the data for potential updates to patient education materials. In the interim, physicians say the study reinforces a simple principle: protecting the liver means thinking beyond weekly averages to daily realities.