FDA import alert for hand sanitizers from Mexico test for toxic ingredient

The Food and Drug Administration placed an import alert for alcohol-based hand sanitizers imported from Mexico after tests revealed that more than half of the products contained “dangerous levels” of toxic ingredients, including methanol and 1-propanal.

Under the import alert, which was announced on Tuesday, hand sanitizers will be subject to further scrutiny by the FDA. Shipments that violate FDA rules can be stopped altogether, the agency said. It is the first time that the FDA has issued a national import alert for any 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 communicate vital information with consumers’ health and safety in mind. of the US, “said Judy McMeekin, FDA’s associate commissioner for regulatory affairs.

Methanol is potentially toxic when absorbed through the skin and can be deadly if ingested, the FDA said. The imported products were labeled as containing ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, but the tests confirmed the contamination with methanol.

Tests conducted by the FDA found that 84% of samples analyzed from April to December 2020 violated FDA regulations, and more than half contained toxic substances at levels dangerous for human consumption. Symptoms of exposure can include vomiting, seizures, blindness, effects on the central nervous system, hospitalizations and death, with children at greatest risk, the agency said.

The FDA has urged consumers who think they have been exposed to contaminated hand sanitizer and are showing symptoms that seek immediate medical attention.