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The National Medicines Agency (EOF), after informing the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), today informs consumers that large quantities of a widespread hand antiseptic product have been seized to date in many European countries.
This antiseptic, according to the OAS, is originally from Turkey and, according to laboratory tests by the Irish authorities, contained high levels of methanol.
This is VIRAPRO antiseptic product, which you can see in the following photo:
VIRAPRO antiseptic has been seized in large quantities in many European countries.
Using a hand sanitizer that contains methanol, such as VIRAPRO, can cause serious side effects such as:
- Headaches
- blurry vision
- motion sickness
- threw up
- loss of coordination and
- reduced level of consciousness
- It also has a direct toxic effect on the optic nerve and can cause blindness if ingested.
Until today OLAF has not informed the Greek authorities for the established distribution of the product in the Greek market. However It is not excluded that the product has been channeled in some way to the Greek market. That is why consumers are called to be vigilant, so that, if they possess the specific product, they do not use it and immediately inform the EOF.
VIRAPRO antiseptic: the moment of its seizure throughout Europe
Last August, OLAF received detailed information from the Danish authorities about the seizure of 6,000 liters of hand sanitizer originating in Turkey. OLAF disseminated the information to all EU Member States.
OLAF has identified a suspicious mission in Ireland at the end of September and notified the Irish customs authorities. The Irish authorities immediately stopped the suspicious shipment in Dublin Port. Several samples analyzed by the Irish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Transport (DAFM) confirmed unacceptably high levels of methanol. The same happened with a second mission. Through subsequent investigations with the carrier, Irish authorities discovered, arrested and analyzed previous shipments of hand sanitizer stored in a warehouse.
OLAF’s investigations revealed that several companies in various European Union Member States ordered hand sanitizers from the same manufacturer in Turkey and immediately informed the competent national authorities. In fact, this manufacturer operates under various names that OLAF has been able to identify and prove the connection between them. The company also manufactures products on behalf of other companies. The names of the companies involved are covered by the confidentiality of the ongoing investigations.
OLAF Director General Ville Itälä stated: “So far almost 140,000 liters have been confiscated. Investigations are ongoing in the Member States. This is an example of real teamwork between OLAF and the national authorities involved. They all bring their knowledge and operational skills to a broadcasting company for the protection of European citizens. OLAF’s actions were decisive. Since the beginning of the pandemic, OLAF has been active in the fight against illegal materials related to COVID-19, such as false and inappropriate face masks, rapid tests and hand sanitizers. These products must protect people and not harm them. OLAF investigations have identified more than 900 companies have participated so far and the list is growing«.
Sources: https://www.eof.gr, https://ec.europa.eu, https://www.rte.ie
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