NAFDAC Gives Update On Withdrawn Hand Sanitizers

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been informed by the United State Food and Drug Administration on the withdrawal of all alcohol- based hand sanitizer products containing ethanol known as ethyl alcohol but that have tested positive for methanol.

According to NAFDAC methanol, or wood alcohol, contain toxic when absorbed or ingested and might pose a threat to the health when ingested.

NAFDACstated that excessive exposure to methanol can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death.

NAFDAC therefore advised that consumers who have been exposed to methanol based hand sanitizers and are experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention.

The recalled Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizers by the US Food and Drug Administration are produced by DMM Vision S.A DE, with product name; Cleaner Hand Sanitizer, with Lot numbers: LC2020407, LC2020408, LC2020502, LC2020504, LC2020507.

NAFDAC has in view of this charged importers, distributors, retailers and consumers to be cautious and vigilant to avoid the distribution, sale and use of methanol alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

NAFDAC also urged Members of the public in possession of methanol alcohol-based hand sanitizers to discontinue its sale or use and hand over stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Health care professionals, consumers and patients are thereby urged to report any adverse effects experienced from the use of any Hand sanitizer to the nearest NAFDAC office.