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Posted December 24, 2020

Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer With Potentially Toxic Ingredient Recalled

On December 23, 2020, Shane Erickson, Inc. DBA Innovative Marketing Consultants recalled four lots of their products imc Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer, Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer, and Thrifty White Pharmacy Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer because they may contain methanol, which is toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.

The FDA first warned consumers about the possible presence of methanol in certain hand sanitizers in June and has continued to update consumers about potentially-affected products and recalls.

Recalled Shane Erickson products (see images) were distributed nationwide and come in plastic bottles. The 50mL size comes in a HDPE opaque white bottle with a blue cap, the 100mL comes in a clear PET bottle with a clear cap, and the 300mL comes in a clear PET bottle with a black pump. They can be further identified by the following information:

  • Product: imc Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer. Sizes: 50mL, 1.7oz. Lot #: 2020/05/11. UPC: 8 19845 00597 8. Expiration: 5/10/2023
  • Product: imc Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer. Sizes: 100mL, 3.4oz. Lot #s: MFG: 2020/05/10 and L/N: 20200510-3. UPC: 8 19845 00598 5
  • Products: imc Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer, Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer, Thrifty White Pharmacy Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer. Sizes: 300mL, 10.14oz. Lot #: 2020/05/11. UPC: 8 19845 00599 2. Expiration: 5/10/2023

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 FDA 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."

The agency warned that while all individuals are at risk of harmful events if they use this product, those most in danger of methanol poisoning are children who accidentally ingest the hand sanitizer and adults who drink it as a substitute for ethanol.

All individuals who have recalled hand sanitizer products should immediately stop using them and return them 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.

For more information, use the link below.

Shane Erickson, Inc. DBA Innovative Marketing Consultants Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer Due to Potential Presence of Undeclared Methanol

See related warnings:

Optimus Instant Hand Sanitizer Recalled

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

Harmonic Nature Hand Sanitizer Recalled

Beware of Hand Sanitizers Packaged in Food and Drink Containers

Bio aaa Advance Hand Sanitizer Recalled

Hand Sanitizer Labeled as "Edible" Recalled

M Hand Sanitizer Recalled

Hand Sanitizers Marketed for Children, Packaged in Containers Resembling Food and Drink Recalled

Cleaner Hand Sanitizer Recalled

FDA Warns Seller of Potentially Toxic Hand Sanitizer