FDA Advises Consumers Not to Use Hand Sanitizers Made by Eskbiochem

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Kerry Richards, Pesticide Safety Education Coordinator; kerryr@udel.edu

On June 19, 2020 a press release from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers not to use hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico, due to the potential presence of methanol (wood alcohol). Methanol is not an acceptable Active Ingredient for use in hand sanitizers due to potential toxicity through skin adsorption. In FDA testing one of Eskbiochem’s products, Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01), showed 81 percent (v/v) methanol and no ethyl alcohol.

Although the press release indicated that FDA is not aware of any reports of adverse events associated with these hand sanitizer products, the FDA recommended that consumers:

  • Stop using these hand sanitizers
  • Seek immediate treatment if exposed to these products, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning
  • Dispose of them immediately in appropriate hazardous waste containers.
  • Do not flush or pour these products down the drain

Below is the link to the FDA press release.

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-advises-consumers-not-use-hand-sanitizer-products-manufactured-eskbiochem

Here are the nine hand sanitizers produced by the company that have been identified as containing methanol, do not use or purchase:

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)