In this updated alert the FDA is warning against the use of 9 hand sanitizer products that are manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico (Saniderm Produces and UVT Inc.) due to the potential presence of methanol in the products which is not a suitable ingredient for hand sanitizers.
According to the FDA:
“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. Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death. Although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk, young children who accidently ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are most at risk for methanol poisoning.”
“On June 17, 2020, FDA contacted Eskbiochem to recommend the company remove its hand sanitizer products from the market due to the risks associated with methanol poisoning. To date, the company has not taken action to remove these potentially dangerous products from the market.”
“Therefore, FDA recommends consumers stop using these hand sanitizers and dispose of them immediately in appropriate hazardous waste containers. Do not flush or pour these products down the drain.”
The 9 potential dangerous products that were identified are:
- 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)
Federal authorities recommend washing your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds, especially after using the toilet, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. When that is not possible the CDC recommends using an alcohol based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol, and following that up with washing them again with soap and water as soon as possible.
70% ethanol is typically regarded as being the desired amount, as less can decrease the effectiveness against germs, bacteria, and viruses. Sanitizer is recommended at the moment while one is out and about, but again, it is recommended to follow up with soap and water as soon as possible.
In light of this FDA warning please be very cautious over whatever sanitizer you are using, because whatever you apply to your skin sinks in and you are literally feeding it to your body, just as if you were eating it. Any toxins can be absorbed via the skin into the body which can potentially enter the bloodstream. Please stay safe and healthy by reading the ingredient labels, and even better ensure that the hand sanitizer has been USDA Certified Organic, which means that it has been strictly and independently verified as being toxin free.
