FDA Warning Consumers About Hand Sanitizers Containing High Levels of Methanol

Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer contained methanol should seek immediate treatment.

Photo Thanks to FDA

(undated) – While many consumers are using hand sanitizers to help with extra protection during the coronavirus pandemic, but now the FDA is warning consumers not to use hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico.

This is due to the potential presence of methanol (wood alcohol), a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. FDA has identified the following products manufactured by Eskbiochem:

• 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)

Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer contained methanol should seek immediate treatment, which is critical for the potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning.

Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system, or death.

The FDA stated although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk, young children who accidentally ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are more at risk for methanol poisoning.

To date, FDA is not aware of any reports of adverse events associated with these hand sanitizers. FDA encourages health care professionals, consumers, and patients to report adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of these hand sanitizers, to their MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.