SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – The Food and Drug Administration has added several new hand sanitizers to a growing list of products that should be avoided after they tested positive for methanol contamination.
There are now a total of 59 hand sanitizers on the updated list of toxic products, some of which have already been recalled while others are being recommended for recalls.
According to the FDA’s list, all of the hand sanitizers identified so far are from Mexico.
The FDA says it has seen a spike in the number of hand sanitizer products labeled to contain ethanol, but have tested positive for methanol, which can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.
⚠ A full list of recalled products lower in the story
The FDA had first warned consumers back in June of nine hand sanitizer products to avoid due to the possible presence of methanol.
Two weeks later, more brands that tested positive for methanol were also added.
“Substantial methanol exposure” can lead to nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, or death.
If you have any of the hand sanitizer products, the FDA says to dispose of them immediately in appropriate hazardous waste containers. Do not flush or pour them down the drain.
