The FDA detected 87 sanitizing products made in Mexico contaminated with methanol, a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin.
The US government issued alerts to prevent the importation of 87 hand sanitizer products made in Mexico, due to their methanol content.
According to tests conducted by the United States Administration and Medicines (FDA), all 87 products contain methanol, although on their label they indicate that they are made with ethanol (known as ethyl alcohol).
The FDA cautioned that methanol or wood alcohol is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin, and can be fatal when ingested.
The agency said it is aware of cases in which adults and children have ingested methanol-contaminated hand sanitizers, causing effects such as blindness, hospitalizations and deaths.
Therefore, he recommended that people who have been exposed to contaminated disinfectants and who experience symptoms of poisoning seek immediate medical attention.
Some of the symptoms it can cause are nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system, or death.
The 87 contaminated products identified by the FDA belong to the brands Blumen, Klar and Danver, Modesa, The Honeykeeper, Hello Kitty, Assured Instant Hand Sanitizer, Bio AAA, Lumiskin, QualitaMed and Herbacil.
There are also those of the brands Earths Amenities, Agavespa Skincare, Vidanos, All-Clean, Esk Biochem, Lavar 70, The Good Gel Antibacterial, CleanCare, Saniderm, Unscented, Jaloma Antiseptic and Andy’s.
Other brands that contain methanol are NeoNatural, Plus Advanced, Optimus, Shine and Clean, Selecto, Mystic Shield, Born Basic, Scent Theory, Cavalry, Enliven, Luz Eoi, Bersih, Tropical Solution, Britc, Parabola, Urbane Bath, Rinse, Kleanz , Be Safe, Wave and DAESI.
The full list of products manufactured in Mexico that were identified by the FDA to contain methanol can be found on its website .
Source: animalpolitico.com, fda.gov