FDA warns nine hand sanitisers may be toxic

Methanol poisoning can cause permanent blindness or death

FDA warns of nine potentially toxic hand sanitisers (Stock)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers to avoid nine hand sanitisers that may be toxic due to the “potential presence of methanol”.

On Friday, the public health agency advised people not to use any hand sanitisers manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico after samples tested were found to include the potentially dangerous ingredient.

Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, can be toxic when it is absorbed through the skin or ingested, according to the FDA, which said methanol is “not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitisers”.

“Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitiser containing methanol should seek immediate treatment, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning,” the agency said, adding that methanol exposure can lead to nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death.

According to the FDA, it identified the nine products below as possibly including methanol.

All-Clean Hand Sanitiser (NDC: 74589-002-01)

Esk Biochem Hand Sanitiser (NDC: 74589-007-01)

CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitiser 75 per cent Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)

Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitiser (NDC: 74589-006-01)

The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitiser (NDC: 74589-010-10)

CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitiser 80 per cent Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)

CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitiser 75 per cent Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)

CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitiser 80 per cent Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)

Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitiser (NDC: 74589-001-01)

The FDA’s warning comes after it tested samples of Eskbiochem SA de CV’s Lavar Gel and CleanCare No Germ, and found the Lavar Gel contained 81 per cent methanol and no ethyl alcohol and that the CleanCare No Germ hand sanitiser contained 28 per cent methanol.

Methanol, which is mostly used to create fuel, solvents and antifreeze, puts all consumers who use the hand sanitisers at risk. However, the FDA notes that "young children who accidentally ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are most at risk for methanol poisoning".

According to the FDA, after identifying the presence of methanol in the hand sanitiser products, it contacted Eskbiochem on 17 June to recommend the company remove the products from shelves, which the company has not done.

“Therefore, FDA recommends consumers stop using these hand sanitisers and dispose of them immediately in appropriate hazardous waste containers,” the letter said, adding that the hand sanitisers should not be flushed or poured down the drain.

As of 20 June, the FDA said it was not aware of “any reports of adverse events associated with these hand sanitiser products” but encouraged health care professionals, consumers and patients to report adverse events or quality problems with hand sanitisers on the market.

The health agency concluded its warning reminding consumers to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds amid the coronavirus pandemic, per CDC guidelines, or to use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 per cent ethanol when soap and water are not readily available.

The Independent has contacted Eskbiochem for comment.