The FDA has issued a warning to consumers regarding a variety of hand sanitizer products manufactured by Eskbiochem as they may contain a dangerous, toxic chemical.

Products manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico may contain methanol (wood alcohol), a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.

 

FDA has identified the following products manufactured by Eskbiochem:

  • All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
  • Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
  • Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)
  • The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
  • Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)

FDA tested samples of Lavar Gel and CleanCare No Germ. Lavar Gel contains 81 percent (v/v) methanol and no ethyl alcohol, and CleanCare No Germ contains 28 percent (v/v) methanol. Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers and should not be used due to its toxic effects.

Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol should seek immediate treatment, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning.

Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a shortage of hand sanitizer at times and there have been advertisements on social media from unfamiliar companies offering the much in demand product.  It could be easy to purchase this stuff without even realizing it, so it's worth a look to see what hand sanitizer products you have at your home, work and car.

If you have any of these products, consumers are asked to dispose of them immediately in appropriate hazardous waste containers. Do not flush or pour these products down the drain.

On June 17, 2020, FDA contacted Eskbiochem to recommend the company remove its hand sanitizer products from the market, but the company has yet to comply.

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