US FDA lists over 300 hand sanitizers that 'should not' be used by consumers; know why

More than 300 hand sanitizers have been named in a 'should not use' list by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most of them having been manufactured in Mexico, China, and the United States. As China witnesses an alarming spike in COVID-19 infections, the FDA has urged consumers to refrain from using 378 hand sanitizers, despite hand disinfectants being one of the best defences against the virus.

According to Newsweek, the key reason is the ingredients that constitute the disinfectants. Components such as methanol, 1-propanol, benzene, acetaldehyde, or acetal are not recommended for usage. Furthermore, those labelled to contain methanol have been found to possess microbial contamination. "Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol should seek immediate treatment, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning," the FDA stated.

"Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death,” it added. Those sanitizers that do not contain sufficient levels of ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol or benzalkonium chloride have also been named in the list. 

Several Disney sanitizers added to the FDA list

Some more products that have been listed as ‘Do not use’ by the FDA are the ones whose packaging is identical to a food or beverage product, thus spiking the risk of accidental consumption. Some of the hand sanitizers mentioned in the list have been produced in China under the Disney label, including Disney Frozen II Hand Sanitizer, Disney Princess Hand Sanitizer, Disney Mickey Mouse Hand Sanitizer, Marvel Spiderman Hand Sanitizer, and Star Wars Mandalorian Hand Sanitizer (green and blue gel versions. Other disinfectants mentioned in the list include LumiSkin Advance Hand Sanitizer, BLUMEN Instant Hand Sanitizer Aloe Vera, and Modesa Instant Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer with Moisturizers and Aloe Vera. 

Previously, the federal agency also suggested that consumers should use those sanitizers that comprise at least 60% alcohol. "FDA remains vigilant and will continue to take action when quality issues arise with hand sanitizers. Additionally, the agency is concerned with false and misleading claims for hand sanitizers, for example that they can provide prolonged protection such as 24-hours against viruses including COVID-19, since there is no evidence to support these claims,” said the federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services.