MADISON, Wisconsin (WMTV) – The FDA has expanded its list of recalled hand sanitizers to 77 due to the possible presence of methanol, a chemical that can have toxic effects if ingested.
According to a statement released Saturday, the FDA warns consumers and healthcare providers that a sharp increase in hand sanitizers has tested positive for methanol contamination.
The FDA knows people who have ingested with contaminated disinfectant and have experienced adverse effects, such as blindness, hospitalizations, and death.
While anyone who uses hand sanitizers on the list is at risk, the FDA says young children who accidentally ingest it and teens and adults who drink it as an alcohol substitute are at higher risk for methanol poisoning.
The FDA encourages consumers and healthcare providers to regularly review the updated list of FDA-tested hand sanitizers with potential contamination.
If health professionals or consumers experience adverse effects related to the use of hand sanitizer, the FDA encourages them to report to the FDA MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Reporting Program by completing and submitting a report online or by calling 1-800-332-1088 to Request a printed copy of the form.
The FDA investigation into methanol in certain hand sanitizers is ongoing.
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