WASHINGTON, DC — The Food and Drug Administration has widened the list of hand sanitizers being recalled to more than 75, saying toxic levels of wood alcohol in them can cause injury and even death. Some of the recalled brands are found at Walmart, Costco, and other stores nationwide.
The FDA says there has been an increase in hand sanitizers labeled as containing ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, but have tested positive for methanol, wood alcohol.
If methanol is absorbed it can cause blindness, hospitalization, and even death.
Americans have been urged to wash our hands for at least 20 seconds or to use a hand sanitizer since the coronavirus pandemic began. Since the pandemic, the demand for hand sanitizer has skyrocketed and the FDA says questionable brands have made their way onto American store shelves.
FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. said, “The FDA remains committed to working with manufacturers, compounders, state boards of pharmacy and the public to increase the safe supply of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. This includes staying vigilant and continuing to take action when quality issues with hand sanitizers arise.”
The FDA first warned about nine products made in Mexico in June. Since then, dozens more have been added to the list. Some of the products in the recall include:
- Blumen products
- Klar and Danver Instant Hand Sanitizer
- Modesa Instant Hand Sanitizer Moisturizers and Vitamin E
- Hello Kitty by Sanrio Hand Sanitizer
- Assured Aloe
For the complete list, go to FDA hand sanitizer updates.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the best method of cleaning your hands is soap and water. But if you must use hand sanitizer, it is best to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60 percent ethyl alcohol (ethanol), which should be marked on the label.