The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an import warning for hand sanitizer products from Mexico amid serious safety issues. The warning is aimed at preventing the potentially harmful products from crossing US borders before the FDA can review their safety.
The agency cites concerns about methanol pollution, which is toxic when the chemical is absorbed through the skin, and life-threatening when ingested.
“According to the import warning, alcohol preservatives from Mexico offered for import are subject to the FDA investigation, and FDA personnel can detain the consignment,” a statement issued Tuesday said. “As part of their enrollment review, FDA personnel will consider any specific evidence presented by importers or manufacturers that the hand sanitizers are manufactured according to current U.S. requirements of good manufacturing practice. This is the first time the FDA has issued a nationwide import warning. has for any category of drug products. “
Methanol-contaminated hand cleanser can be toxic if ingested into the skin, and life-threatening when ingested, the FDA warned. (iStock)
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The import warning comes amid an increase in the use of disinfectants during the pandemic, said Judy McMeekin, FDA commissioner for regulatory affairs. She added that action is needed to protect a safe supply of alcohol contaminants.
The agency’s analyzes of the products from Mexico last year found that the vast majority (84%) did not comply with the regulations. More than 50% of the samples had toxic ingredients, such as methanol and 1-propanol, at harmful levels.
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The FDA has warned that methanol-contaminated hand sanitizers can lead to blindness, cardiovascular and central nervous system, hospitalizations and death. People taking the products are at the greatest risk, but applying the products on the hands can result in methanol poisoning.
The FDA maintains a list of specific disinfectants to avoid, which have inflated to more than 200 products. Recent FDA-branded manufacturers are derived from Mexico and include ‘4E Global SAPI de CV’ products.
“Consumers exposed to methanol – contaminated handpipes and experiencing symptoms should contact their local poison control center and seek immediate medical attention for the possible reversal of the toxic effects of methanol poisoning,” the statement said.