FDA Warns Against Hand Sanitizers Containing Methanol

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to use hand sanitizer products manufactured by Eskbiochem SA due to the potential presence of the toxic chemical Methanol.

During its investigation, agency tests found samples of one product, Lavar Gel, contained 81% methanol and those of CleanCare No Germ contained 28%. Methanol is a substance that can lead to harmful systematic effects when absorbed through the skin or ingested.

In issuing its warning, the FDA identified nine brands of possibly toxic hand sanitizer manufactured by the Mexican based company which have been listed below:

  • All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
  • Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
  • Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)
  • The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
  • Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)

In addition to discontinued use, the agency has stated the products should be immediately discarded in hazardous waste containers instead of being flushed or poured down the drain.

In times like these, hand sanitizers have become a hot commodity due to the coronavirus pandemic. Persons exposed to hand sanitizers containing methanol should seek immediate treatment, which is vital in potentially reversing the toxic effects of poisoning. Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system, or death.

If you or someone you know has been injured as the result of a defective product, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling 713-231-9360 or toll-free at 713-222-7211.