On July 20, 2020, LIQ-E S.A. de C.V. recalled Optimus Instant Hand Sanitizer 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 forty-six hand sanitizers that may contain methanol, including LIQ-E S.A. de C.V. products. The agency first discovered methanol in certain hand sanitizers in June and has continued to update consumers about potentially-affected products and recalls.

Recalled Optimus Instant Hand Sanitizer was distributed nationwide and is packaged in plastic blue drums (55 gallons) or clear plastic HDPE bottles or tanks (8.5 fl. ounces, 1 gallon, and 275 gallons). They can be identified by the following:

• Size: 8.5 fl. oz. NDC: 75416-002-01. UPC: 7501799115621. Lot #: (L) 20-02. Expiration date: 05/2022
• Size: 55 gal. NDC: 75416-001-04. UPC: 7501799118998. Lot #s and expiration dates: L-1160 EXP 05/2022, L-2160 EXP 05/2022, L-3160 EXP 05/2022, L-1180 EXP 05/2022, L-2180 EXP 05/2022, L-2190 EXP 05/2022, L-1200 EXP 06/2022, L-2200 EXP 06/2022, L-3200 EXP 06/2022, L-4200 EXP 06/2022, L-5200 EXP 06/2022, L-1210 EXP 06/2022, L-2210 EXP 06/2022
• Size: 1 gal. NDC: 75416-378-04. UPC: 7501799118837. Lot #: (L) 20-03. Expiration date: 05/2022
• Size: 275 gal. NDC: 75416-004-01. UPC: 7501799118981. Lot #: (L) 5200. Expiration date: 05/2022

Master carton lot numbers:

• L-1150, L-2150, L-3150, L-4150, L-5150, L-6150, L-1160, L-2160, L-3160, L-4160, L-5160, L-6160, L-1170, L-2170, L-3170, L-4170, L-5170, L-1180, L-3180, L-4180, L-6180, L-1190, L-2190, L-3190, L-4190, L-5190, L-6190, L-1200, L-2200, L-3200, L-4200, L-5200, L-6200, L-2180

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 LIQ-E S.A. de C.V. hand sanitizer should immediately stop using it and return it to the place of purchase.

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

FDA Warns of Five More Hand Sanitizers That May Contain Toxic Ingredient

All Clean Hand Sanitizer Recalled

Seller of Hand Sanitizer "Alternative" Warned for Coronavirus Claims

Forty-Six More Hand Sanitizers May Contain Toxic Ingredient, Ten More Recalled

Two More Hand Sanitizers That May Contain Toxic Ingredient Recalled

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