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Posted June 27, 2020

Hand Sanitizer That May Contain Toxic Ingredient is Recalled

Update: (6/29/20) Saniderm has extended the recall of hand sanitzer nationwide.

On June 26, 2020, Saniderm Products recalled Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer, manufactured by Eskbiochem SA, because it may contain methanol, which is toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.

The recall came one week after the FDA warned consumers not to use nine hand sanitizers because they contain methanol. All nine products are manufactured by Eskbiochem.

Recalled Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer was distributed in Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey on April 15, 2020. It is packaged in 1-liter plastic bottles with an orange twist-top cap. The back of the bottle states: "Made in Mexico" and "Produced by: Eskbiochem SA de CV." It can be identified by the following: 
  • Lot # 53131626
  • Manufacture date: April 1, 2020
Methanol, sometimes called wood alcohol, is poisonous. Methanol exposure through the skin or by ingestion can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death. The agency warned that consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol to "seek immediate treatment, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning." 

All individuals who have recalled Saniderm hand sanitizer should immediately stop using it and contact Saniderm for guidance on the return and disposal of the product. Consumers have been previously advised that hand sanitizers containing methanol should be disposed of in hazardous waste containers and that the products should not be flushed or poured down the drain. Saniderm has not received any notice of adverse events from using the potentially contaminated product.

Methanol is a different form of alcohol than ethyl alcohol. Hand sanitizer containing at least 60% ethyl alcohol is recommended by the CDC for disinfecting hands when soap and water are not available, and is generally considered safe when used as directed. See the CDC's website for more information about using hand sanitizer.

See related warnings:

Nine Hand Sanitizers May Contain Toxic Ingredient That Can Cause Serious Illness or Death

For more information, use the link below.