FDA recalls hand sanitizers due to toxic ingredients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to consumers earlier this week against the use of nine hand sanitizer products manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico due to the potential presence of methanol, a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.

According to the FDA, the agency tested samples of Lavar Gel and CleanCare No Germ. Lavar Gel contains 81 percent methanol and no ethyl alcohol, and CleanCare No Germ contains 28 percent methanol.

Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers and should not be used due to its toxic effects, the FDA said in its statement. 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.

On June 17, the FDA said it contacted Eskbiochem to recommend the company remove its hand sanitizer products from the market due to the risks associated with methanol poisoning. At press time, the FDA said the company had not yet removed the products from the market.

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