Mexican manufacturer Eskbiochem has received a second warning from the US’ FDA to halt production of its ‘misleading’ hand sanitisers.
The ClearCare Nogerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer and Lavar Gel Hand Sanitizer products are said to contain undeclared methanol, even though they claim to be FDA-approved.
The regulatory watchdog also said the sanitisers have been made through improper manufacturing practices at the company’s Mexican facility, but did not elaborate.
In the letter, the FDA wrote: “Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitisers and should not be used due its toxic effects.”
Meanwhile, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said the organisation would take additional action on companies using methanol if it was necessary.
“Practising good hand hygiene, which includes using alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not readily available, is an important public health tool for all Americans to employ,” he said.
“Consumers must also be vigilant about which hand sanitisers they use, and for their healthy and safety we urge consumers to immediately stop using hand sanitisers on the FDA’s list of dangerous hand sanitiser products.”
He continued: “We remain extremely concerned about the potential serious risks of alcohol-based hand sanitisers containing methanol.
“Producing, importing and distributing toxic hand sanitisers poses a serious threat to the public and will not be tolerated.
“The FDA will take additional action as necessary and will continue to provide the latest information on this issue for the health and safety of consumers.”
According to the FDA’s investigations, methanol or wood alcohol can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.
Substantial methanol exposure can result in blindness, seizures and permanent damage to the nervous system.
The warning to Eskbiochem comes in the same month that Mexican cosmetics company AAA Cosmética recalled its hand sanitiser over fears it could contain methanol.
The FDA is said to be updating its ‘do not use’ list of hand sanitiser products in the US regularly.
