The FDA has imported alert hand sanitizers from Mexico for testing the toxic ingredient

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

According to the import alert, which was announced on Tuesday, hand sanitizers will be subject to increased FDA control. Shipments that violate FDA rules can be stopped altogether, the agency said. This is the first time the FDA has issued a nationwide import alert for any category of drug products.

“Today’s action is necessary to protect the safe supply of alcohol-based disinfectants. We will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure the availability of safe products and to communicate vital information with the health and safety of American consumers in mind. said Judy McMeekin, FDA’s associate commissioner for regulatory affairs.

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

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

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