FDA Expands Hand Sanitizer Recall

The Food and Drug Administration has expanded their list of hand sanitizers being recalled to at least 75.
The FDA said that there’s been an increase in products that are labeled to contain ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, but have tested positive for methanol, or wood alcohol. If methanol is absorbed in the skin, it’s known to cause blindness and hospitalizations, or even death if it’s ingested. The demand for hand sanitizer has surged since the covid pandemic and new brands have made their way to store shelves across the United States with some sold at Walmart, Costco and other national chains. Recently the FDA commissioner, Dr. Stephen Hahn said “unfortunately, there are some companies taking advantage of the increased usage of hand sanitizer during the coronavirus pandemic and putting lives at risk by selling products with dangerous and unacceptable ingredients.” Another FDA official added that “selling these hand sanitizers is “like selling an unapproved drug.” Ten deaths and dozens of hospitalizations in Arizona and New Mexico are believed to be linked to methanol in some of the products.