FDA Warns Consumers About Toxic Hand Sanitizer

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of toxic hand sanitizer due to the presence of methanol, or wood alcohol.

According to the agency, the toxic hand sanitizer is called Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer. It is sold in 1-liter bottles labeled “Made in Mexico” and “Produced by: Eskbiochem SA de CV.” The makers of the reportedly toxic product, Saniderm Products and UVT Inc., issued the recall following an FDA recommendation.

Indeed, on June 19, 2020, the FDA issued a notice warning consumers not to use the hand sanitizer because it is made with methanol. Methanol is also known as wood alcohol. According to the FDA’s notice, methanol can be toxic when absorbed by the skin or ingested.

The recalled toxic hand sanitizer includes the following products manufactured by Eskbiochem: All-Clean Hand Sanitizer, Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer, CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol, Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer, The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer, CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol, CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol, CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol and Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer.

The FDA says it tested several samples and found methanol.

“Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers and should not be used due to its toxic effects,” states the notice, which also lists myriad side effects associated with the substance. These side effects include “nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death,” according to the FDA.

The agency recommends that those who have been exposed to the recalled toxic hand sanitizer should seek medical treatment.

The FDA further notes that it asked the makers of the toxic hand sanitizer to remove the products from the shelves due to the agency’s concerns about methanol; however, the companies refused, leading the agency to ask consumers to stop using the products.

Consumers who have already purchased the toxic hand sanitizer are instructed to stop using it immediately and take the remaining product to an appropriate hazardous waste disposal facility, the FDA notice says.

The agency says the product should not be poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet.

Local news source KHOU 11 reports that the recall affects 38,830 bottles of the toxic hand sanitizer. Those most at risk of adverse effects from methanol reportedly include young children who may inadvertently ingest the product and those who may drink the toxic hand sanitizer for the alcohol.

Fox Business reports company representatives are now contacting distributors and customers to notify them of the toxic hand sanitizer recall and take steps for replacement and destruction of the affected products. There is no word on whether consumers who purchased the toxic hand sanitizer before the recall was issued will be reimbursed by the producers.

No adverse effects or injuries related to the recalled toxic hand sanitizer have been reported, according to Fox Business.

The coronavirus pandemic has led to an explosion in the sale and use of hand sanitizers. However, the FDA’s notice about the recall of toxic hand sanitizers reminds consumers that the best way to sanitize hands is to use soap and water.

“FDA reminds consumers to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing one’s nose,” the notice states. “If soap and water are not readily available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend consumers use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent ethanol.”

The FDA also says it continues to identify and track issues related to the quality of hand sanitizers. Further, the FDA notes concern about false and misleading claims related to the sale of hand sanitizers and their ability to fight viruses such as COVID-19. It says it “remains vigilant and will continue to take action” when such issues arise.

Consumers concerned about adverse effects related to hand sanitizers they have used can report their experience to the FDA using the MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. As a part of the program, consumers are asked to complete a form either online or to submit to the agency via mail.

Have you purchased any of the recalled toxic hand sanitizers? Are you concerned about any ill effects or reactions? Let us know in the comment section below.

UPDATE July 2020, the FDA expanded their hand sanitizer recall to include over 75 other brands due to concerns about hand sanitizer safety.

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