The FDA warns against use of some hand sanitizers
This past Fri, June 19th the Food and Drug Administration advised consumers to not use any hand sanitizer that was manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico due to the potential presence of methanol, also known as wood alcohol which can be toxic.
The FDA has also presented a list of products manufactured by Eskbiochem including:
All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 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 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)
The FDA tested samples of numerous products, some of which contained high levels of methanol, stating that Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers and should not be used due to its toxic effects.
Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol should seek immediate treatment, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning.
Some side effects from exposure to Methanol can include nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system and possible death. To date, the FDA is not aware of any reports of adverse events associated with these hand sanitizer products.
On June 17, 2020, the FDA contacted Eskbiochem to recommend the company remove its hand sanitizer products from the market due to the risks of methanol poisoning. To date, the company has not taken action to remove these products from the market so be aware that the products are still on shelves.
For more information, click on fda.gov/drugs.