FDA Recalls Hand Sanitizers with Methanol

August 2020

At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, hand sanitizer was in short supply. To encourage productions, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) altered their regulations to make it possible for companies such as alcohol distillers to shift production to hand sanitizer. 

It’s estimated that over 700 companies began producing hand sanitizer to respond to this supply problem. 

With so many new suppliers in the industry, the FDA has received complaints that not all manufacturers are using the required manufacturing standards. 

On August 7, 2020, the FDA issued a warning not to use hand sanitizer that contains methanol or wood alcohol. These ingredients can be absorbed through the skin and are toxic. 

What is dangerous about hand sanitizer with methanol?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer products that contain at least 60% ethyl alcohol (ethanol) or 70% isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). Hand sanitizers with methanol are dangerous.

Methanol Poisoning Symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Blurry vision
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of coordination
  • Drowsiness
  • Heart failure

If you are experiencing symptoms of methanol poisoning, do not wait. Get to the nearest hospital/emergency room immediately.

Which companies were on the list of recalls?

Mexico-based Manufacturers:

  • Eskbiochem
  • 4E Global
  • AAA Cosmetica
  • Albek de Mexico
  • Broncolin
  • DDI Multinacional
  • Grupo Insoma
  • Incredible Products
  • Laboratorios Jaloma
  • Limpo Quimicos
  • Liqesa Exportacion (or Liq)
  • Maquiladora Miniara
  • MXL Comercial
  • Mystic International
  • Notarika
  • Real Clean Distribuciones
  • Roque Plast
  • Soluciones Cosmeticas
  • Tropicosmeticos
  • Elena De La Garza Perez Nieto

US-based Manufacturers:

  • Leiper’s Fork Distillery (Tennessee)

How should I dispose of the excess hand sanitizer?

The FDA is currently recommending that all excess hazardous materials should be disposed of in an appropriate hazardous waste container and picked up and disposed of by a local waste management company. Do not pour hand sanitizer of any kind down the drain. 

HWH Environmental specializes in the disposal of large quantities of hazardous materials for distribution centers or warehouses with a large inventory. Call us today to pick up your contaminated hand sanitizer to be disposed of properly.

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Contact us today with any questions to ensure that you are disposing of this waste properly without causing unnecessary harm to yourself, employees, or others. 

author avatar
Mark Chocola
With over 25 years of experience in the hazardous waste disposal industry, Mark Chocola is one of the driving forces behind HWH Environmental that are committed to providing safe, compliant, and cost-effective hazardous waste solutions. His deep industry knowledge and dedication to customer service have made HWH Environmental a trusted partner for businesses across the United States.

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