Update: (7/14/20) The FDA has warned consumers not to use forty-six more hand sanitizers that may contain methanol.

On July 2, 2020, the FDA announced that five more hand sanitizers may contain methanol, which is toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.

The FDA first warned consumers about this issue on June 19, when it identified nine hand sanitizers manufactured by Eskbiochem that may contain methanol. Eskbiochem recalled the potentially-affected products the next week.

The FDA has recommended a recall of the five new hand sanitizers that contain methanol. These products can be identified by the following companies, products, and national drug codes (NDCs):

Company: Grupo Insoma, S.A.P.I de CV

• Product: Hand sanitizer Gel Unscented 70% Alcohol
• NDCs: 75744-0200-3, 75744-0200-4, 75744-0201-5, 75744-0202-1, 75744-0250-1, 75744-0250-2, 75744-0500-1, 75744-1000-1, 75744-1000-3, 75744-1001-1

Company: Transliquid Technologies

• Product: Mystic Shield Protection hand sanitizer
• NDCs: 75477-435-02, 75477-435-10, 75477-435-12, 75477-435-25, 75477-435-50, 75477-534-10

Company: Soluciones Cosmeticas SA de CV

• Product: Bersih Hand Sanitizer Gel Fragrance Free. NDCs: 75165-003-02, 75165-004-01, 75165-005-01, 75165-006-01, 75165-008-01, 75165-250-01, 75165-600-01
• Product: Antiseptic Alcohol 70% Topical Solution hand sanitizer

Company: Tropicosmeticos SA de CV

• Product: Britz Hand Sanitizer Ethyl Alcohol 70%
• NDCs: 76676-402-01, 77676-402-02, 77676-402-03, 77676-402-04, 77676-402-05, 77676-402-06, 77676-402-07, 77676-402-08, 77676-402-09, 77676-402-10, 77676-402-11, 77676-402-12, 77676-402-13, 77676-402-14, 77676-402-16, 77676-402-17, 77676-402-18, 77676-402-19, 77676-402-20

The same day as the FDA announcement, Transliquid Technologies LLC issued a recall of Mystic Shield Protection Topical Solution in the California, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Texas.

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 affected hand sanitizer should immediately stop using it. 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. Transliquid Technologies LLC is arranging for the return of all recalled products.

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

Hand Sanitizer That May Contain Toxic Ingredient is Recalled

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