FDA Updates on Hand Sanitizers with Methanol

FDA Updates on Hand Sanitizers with Methanol

FDA warns consumers of risk of methanol contamination in certain hand sanitizers

FDA is warning consumers and health care providers that the agency has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination. Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening when ingested.

The agency is aware of adults and children ingesting hand sanitizer products contaminated with methanol that has led to recent adverse events including blindness, hospitalizations and death. Find more information on our website.

Find additional coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) updates on our website and in the Medical Countermeasures Initiative newsletter.