The FDA is warning people to avoid dozens of hand sanitizers because they may contain methanol, a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin. Many of the products are labeled as containing ethanol, which is safe, but tested positive instead for methanol, also known as wood alcohol.
The initial list of products made by Eskbiochem Sade CV in Mexico are:
- All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (National Drug Code: 74589-002-01)
- Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
- Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)
- The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
- CleanCare NoGERM Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
- Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)
The FDA also found sanitizers made by Grupo Insoma, S.A.P.I. de CV have also tested positive for methanol and the agency has asked the company to recall the products. The agency has asked for a voluntary recall of several other products.
Remember, Methanol exposure can be deadly and lead to nausea, headache, blurred vision, blindness, seizures and permanent damage to the nervous system. As we use more and more sanitizing products in our efforts to decrease the risk of spreading COVID-19, it is even more important to pay attention to the warnings, check your product labels and stay safe!
To see a full list, click the link below.
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-methanol