The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has named 75 hand sanitizers containing toxic substance methanol or wood alcohol on Friday, July 17.
According to The Independent report, the agency has listed 75 hand sanitizers that are contaminated with methanol, which can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or even deadly when swallowed.
The FDA said in a statement that it is aware of cases of adverse effects of hand sanitizer ingestion, which include hospitalizations, blindness, and even death on both children and adults.
Last month, the agency recalled nine dangerous hand sanitizers. Then earlier this month, a manufacturer issued a voluntary recall of 18,940 bottles of its sanitizers.
Tech Times reported about the recall of All Clean Hand Sanitizer, Moisturizer, and Disinfectant with UPC Code 628055370130 due to the risk of methanol content. ITECH 361 has a nationwide distribution of the product through its wholesale distributors and retailers.
Meanwhile, the FDA noted the products that have been recalled already and those it recently recommended for recall. The FDA list also includes the names of companies as well as the names and NDC numbers of products that are being recalled.
The agency also updated its import alert list, based on analytic tests. The products on the list, which are mostly produced in Mexico, at risk for contamination that poses a health risk "due to contamination, substandard quality, or ingredient substitution."
Per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the coronavirus pandemic, the public is advised to frequently wash their hands with soap and water to reduce the amounts of germs and chemicals. If soap and water are not available, people may use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol to help prevent germs from spreading.
FDA calls the public to remain vigilant
The FDA has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products with ethanol, but contain methanol. The agency called for public vigilance and to continue monitoring hand sanitizer quality such as the following:
- The agency has not approved any hand sanitizers, so anything with "FDA-approved" is a fraud.
- Hand sanitizers that falsely claim to prevent the spread of coronavirus and other viruses while protecting for up to 24 hours. These are unproven claims.
- Less amount of ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol on certain hand sanitizers.
- Products packaged like candy, drinks, cocktails, or liquor bottles which can promote ingestion, particularly among children. Even a small amount of hand sanitizer intake can be deadly to a kid.
The FDA asked consumers to immediately stop using and dispose of the recalled hand sanitizers to hazardous waste containers, instead of flushing them down the drain. Also, the agency recommends the public to only use products and companies that are not listed.
Those who have been exposed to hand sanitizers with methanol to immediately seek medical treatment to reverse any "toxic effects of methanol poisoning." Also, health care professionals and consumers are advised to report to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program any adverse effects or quality concerns related to hand sanitizers.
