FDA issues warning for hand sanitizers containing methanol

Federal health officials are warning consumers not to use hand sanitizers manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico because they may be toxic.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tested several of the company’s hand sanitizers and found methanol, which can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death, according to an FDA warning.

Users can experience these effects via exposure through their skin. However, methanol poisoning is an even greater risk for young children who accidentally ingest these hand sanitizers or adolescents who drink them as an alcohol substitute. Anyone who has been exposed should seek treatment immediately.

Eskbiochem products include:

• All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (National Drug Code [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) and
• Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01).

The FDA recommends disposing the products from Eskbiochem in hazardous waste containers. They should not be flushed or poured down a drain.

People using alcohol-based hand sanitizers should look for those containing at least 60% ethanol. Health officials say the best way to wash one’s hands is using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Adverse events from Eskbiochem products can be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.