A health care worker dispenses hand sanitizer in Leon, Mexico.
Leopoldo Smith | Getty Images
The Food and Drug Administration has issued an import warning for alcohol-based hand sanitizers imported from Mexico after tests showed that more than half of the products contained “dangerous levels” of toxic ingredients, including methanol and 1-propanal.
Under the import warning, announced Tuesday, the hand sanitizers will be subject to tighter FDA scrutiny. Shipments that violate FDA rules can be discontinued completely, the agency said. It is the first time that the FDA has issued a nationwide import warning for a category of drugs.
“Today’s actions are necessary to protect the safe supply of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. We will continue to work with our stakeholders to ensure the availability of safe products and to communicate vital information for the health and safety of U.S. consumers, ”said Judy McMeekin, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for regulatory affairs.
Methanol is potentially toxic when absorbed through the skin and can be deadly if ingested, according to the FDA. The imported products were labeled with ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, but tests confirmed contamination with methanol.
The tests conducted by the FDA found that 84% of the samples analyzed from April to December 2020 were in violation of FDA regulations and more than half contained toxins in an amount dangerous to human consumption. The symptoms of exposure can include vomiting, seizures, blindness, central nervous system effects and hospitalization and death, with young children most at risk, the agency said.
The FDA urged consumers who believe they have been exposed to contaminated hand sanitizer and are experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.