The U.S. Food and Drug Administration delayed its decision on adopting a new rule and rating system for over-the-counter sunscreen products. The agency extended its comment period on the proposed regulations to Dec. 26, 2007.

The new rule and rating system would require sunscreen manufacturers to provide more detailed information about their products’ level of protection against damaging ultraviolet A (UVA) rays because the link between UVA exposure, melanoma and solar aging is compelling.

The FDA has been wrestling with the UVA rule and rating issue and the need to update sunscreen regulations since 1999.