Using hand sanitizer during COVID-19 pandemic? FDA warns these 9 might be toxic
Though hand sanitizer remains a high demand product in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA issued a warning against nine hand sanitizers as possibly being toxic.
All nine, made in Mexico by Eskbiochem SA de CV, might contain methanol also known as wood alcohol.
“Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers and should not be used due to its toxic effects,” the FDA warning says. “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.”
The FDA said it tested Eskbiochem’s Lavar Gel and CleanCare NoGerm. The Lavar tested at 81% methanol with no ethyl alcohol. The CleanCare NoGerm tested at 28% methanol.
Eskbiochem hasn’t taken the FDA up on Wednesday’s recommendation that the company recall the nine hand sanitizers. So, the FDA issued an alert Friday about:
▪ All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
▪ Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
▪ CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol, 125 ml and 1000 ml bottles (NDC: 74589-008-04 and 74589-09-01)
▪ 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, 250 ml and 1000 ml bottles (NDC: 74589-005-03, 74589-03-01)
▪ Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)
To report a problem with any of these hand sanitizers, go to the FDA’s MedWatch page or call 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form.
Proper handwashing (20 seconds with soap) is still recommended as the best way to cut down on transmission of bacteria and viruses.
This story was originally published June 21, 2020 at 9:26 AM with the headline "Using hand sanitizer during COVID-19 pandemic? FDA warns these 9 might be toxic."
