The FDA has expanded its “do not use
About a dozen hand sanitizers have been added to the Food and Drug Administration’s continuing list of dangerous cleaners that have been recalled due to the presence of a toxic chemical.
As of July 28, approximately 87 hand sanitizers have tested positive for methanol, a substance that is often used to create fuel and antifreeze that can be poisonous if absorbed through the skin and life-threatening if ingested, according to the latest FDA update. Most of the products appear to have been made in Mexico, with withdrawals issued by the manufacturer or distributor.
FDA HAND SANITIZER REMEMBERS EXPANDED AS CORONAVIRUSES INCREASE USE
The FDA urges consumers not to use any hand sanitizer products from any of the listed manufacturers, even if the particular product or batch number is not included in the recall “as some manufacturers are recalling only certain, but not all, their hand sanitizers, “the FDA said.
To address the problem, the FDA is proactively working with manufacturers to recall products and urging distributors and retailers to “immediately” stop distributing and selling gel cleaners due to the risk of methanol poisoning.
“We remain extremely concerned about the potential serious risks of methanol-containing alcohol-based hand sanitizers,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen M. Hahn. “Producing, importing, and distributing toxic hand sanitizers represents a serious threat to the public and will not be tolerated.”
OPTIMUS INSTANT HAND DISINFECTANT RECOVERED FROM RISK OF METHANOL
The failure of the manufacturer to recall all potentially affected products “is putting consumers at risk of methanol poisoning,” the agency said, adding that one death has already been associated with the Blumen hand sanitizer, distributed by 4e. North America and manufactured by 4E Global in Mexico, which expanded its recall to other batches of its products.
The agency also sent a warning letter to Eskbiochem SA de CV, another listed manufacturer, “regarding the distribution of products labeled as manufactured at its facilities with undeclared methanol, misleading claims, including incorrectly stating that the FDA approved these products. “and improper manufacturing practices. “
4e North America and Eskbiochem SA de CV did not immediately respond to FOX Business requests for comment.
FDA ADDS METHANOL ADVISORY TO MORE CORONAVIRUS HAND SANITIZING PRODUCTS
The FDA has been quickly adding to its list of not using dangerous hand sanitizer products since June, when the regulator saw an increase in hand sanitizers that purportedly contained ethanol but tested positive for methanol contamination.
To date, ongoing FDA testing has found that methanol contamination in hand sanitizers ranges from 1 to 80 percent.
In most cases, the toxic chemical does not appear on the label, according to the FDA. However, “methanol is not an acceptable ingredient in any medication, including hand sanitizer, even if methanol is listed as an ingredient on the product label,” the agency said.
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According to the FDA, substantial exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system, or death. Consumers experiencing symptoms should seek “immediate treatment,” the agency said.
The FDA investigation into methanol contamination is ongoing. Their full list of recalled products, which will be updated as more information becomes available, can be viewed on the agency’s website.
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