More hand sanitizer recalled by the bottle, jug and drum for having ‘toxic’ methanol
All sizes and lots of a hand sanitizer already on the FDA’s “toxic” methanol list got recalled Monday night. And that “toxic” list has been added to since last week’s update.
LIQ-E S.A. de C.V., the distribution name for Liquesa Exportacion, pulled Optimus Instant Hand Sanitizer sold in 8.5-ounce bottles, 1-gallon jugs, 55-gallon drums and 275-gallon tanks.
The bottles have lot No. 20-02. The jugs are lot No. 20-03. The tanks are lot No. 5200. All have 05/2022 expiration dates. The drums have lot Nos. L-1160, L-1180, L-2160, L-2180, L-2190 with an expiration date of 5/2022. Drums with lot Nos. L-1200, L-1210, L-2200, L-2210, L-3200, L-4200 and L-5200 have a 06/2022 expiration date.
Anyone with questions about the recall can email Ignacio.ortiz@liquesa.com or call toll free 5281 81316021, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time.
FDA testing found methanol in the sanitizer on July 7.
“Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening when ingested,” the FDA said. “Methanol is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizers and must not be used due to its toxic effects.”
The COVID-19 pandemic put hand sanitizer on the FDA’s radar, but the radar seems rather specific — the agency’s running list of hand sanitizers with methanol includes only hand sanitizers made in Mexico.
Two hand sanitizers from MXL Comercial, Hand Sanitizer Disinfectant Gel 70% Ethyl Alcohol Rinse Free Hand Rub and Hand Sanitizer Disinfectant Gel 70% Ethyl Alcohol, have been added to the list. The latter tested as having methanol, the FDA said, while the agency believes the former is made in the same facility.
This story was originally published July 21, 2020 at 1:38 PM with the headline "More hand sanitizer recalled by the bottle, jug and drum for having ‘toxic’ methanol."
