FDA issues warning after seeing an increase in alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain methanol

The Food and Drug Administration warns consumers about hand sanitizer products that contain methanol or wood alcohol.

The toxic substance is often used to create fuel and antifreeze, and can cause short and long-term health problems.

“Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be fatal when ingested,” the FDA said in a statement. “The agency is aware of adults and children who ingest methanol-contaminated hand sanitizers that have caused recent adverse events such as blindness, hospitalizations, and death.”

The agency reported seeing an increase in hand sanitizers that are labeled to contain ethanol, but have actually tested positive for methanol contamination.

Voluntary recalls have been issued, but some products can still be found on store shelves.

RELATED: FDA Issues Warning About 9 Eskbiochem Hand Sanitizers

Last month, the FDA warned consumers about hand sanitizer products made by the Mexican company Eskbiochem SA de CV, which contained methanol.

Since then, the FDA has expanded its list of specific products to avoid beyond those produced by Eskbiochem SA de CV. See the full list below:

• Grupo Insoma, SAPI de CV (Mexico), 70% alcohol-free hand sanitizing gel (NDC: 75744-0200-3, 75744-0200-4, 75744-0201-5, 75744-0202-1, 75744-0250- 1, 75744-0250-2, 75744-0500-1, 75744-1000-1, 75744-1000-3, 75744-1001-1)
• Transliquid Technologies (Mexico), Mystic Shield Protection hand sanitizer (NDC: 75477-435-02, 75477-435-10, 75477-435-12, 75477-435-25, 75477-435-50, 75477-534-10 )
• Soluciones Cosmeticas SA de CV (Mexico), Bersih Hand Sanitizer Gel Free Fragrance (NDC: 75165-003-02, 75165-004-01, 75165-005-01, 75165-006-01, 75165-008-01, 75165- 250-01, 75165-600-01)
• Soluciones Cosmeticas SA de CV (Mexico), hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol topical solution (NDC: Not listed)
• Tropicosmeticos SA de CV (Mexico), Britz Hand Sanitizer Ethyl Alcohol 70% (NDC: 76676-402-01, 77676-402-02, 77676-402-03, 77676-402-04, 77676-402-05, 77676- 402-06, 77676-402-07, 77676-402-08, 77676-402-09, 77676-402-10, 77676-402-11, 77676-402-12, 77676-402-13, 77676-402- 14, 77676-402-16, 77676-402-17, 77676-402-18, 77676-402-19, 77676-402-20)
• Eskbiochem SA de CV (Mexico), totally clean hand sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
• Eskbiochem SA de CV (Mexico), Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
• Eskbiochem SA de CV (Mexico), Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)

Eskbiochem SA de CV (Mexico), The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Sanitizer for hands (NDC: 74589-010-10)

• Eskbiochem SA de CV (Mexico), CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
• Eskbiochem SA de CV (Mexico), CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
• Eskbiochem SA de CV (Mexico), CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
• Eskbiochem SA de CV (Mexico), Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)

For more information, visit the FDA website.

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