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Posted February 09, 2021

FDA Warns Two Sellers of Adulterated Hand Sanitizers

Between January 28 and February 3, 2021, the FDA issued warning letters to two sellers of hand sanitizers because laboratory tests showed that their products do not contain the amount of ethanol as stated on their labels. The products are HEALTH & HAND GEL HAND SANITIZER from Simex Logistics S.A. de C.V. and Instant — Hand Sanitizer — Moisturizing from ShangRao Chunyu Technology Co., Ltd.

The FDA first warned consumers about adulterated hand sanitizers in June of 2020 and has continued to update consumers about potentially-affected products and recalls.

More details about each recently-warned company can be found below (use the link to read the full warning letter).

  • Simex Logistics S.A. de C.V.: While the product labels state that HEALTH & HAND GEL HAND SANITIZER contains 70% ethanol, the tests found that the product actually contained an average of 51% ethanol.
  • ShangRao Chunyu Technology Co., Ltd.: While the product labels state that Instant — Hand Sanitizer — Moisturizing contains 75% ethanol, the tests found that the product actually contained an average of 58% ethanol.

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

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

Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer With Potentially Toxic Ingredient Recalled

Herbacil Hand Sanitizer Contains Dangerous Ingredient

FDA Issues Import Alert on Potentially-Dangerous Hand Sanitizers from Mexico