FDA Warns of Dozens More 'Toxic' Hand Sanitizers to Avoid in Expanded List

Amid the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak, hand sanitizers have been flying off the shelves at shops across the country, with customers keen to keep their hands as clean as possible.

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning against the use of a selection of hand sanitizers potentially containing methanol, which can "be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening when ingested," the FDA noted in a statement this month.

The list of hand sanitizers under the warning has been updated recently, with 42 more products added this month from July 8 to 10, including several which have been recommended for recall. The latest update brings the current listing of hand sanitizers to avoid to 59, the FDA confirmed on its website.

"Methanol is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizers and must not be used due to its toxic effects. FDA's investigation of methanol in certain hand sanitizers is ongoing. The agency will provide additional information as it becomes available," the FDA stated.

The FDA was reported to be aware of "adults and children ingesting hand sanitizer products contaminated with methanol," which has led to blindness, hospitalizations and death, the statement confirmed.

The administration also raised concerns for "products that are fraudulently marketed as 'FDA-approved' since there are no hand sanitizers approved by FDA," among a string of other issues relating to the safety of hand sanitizers, the statement noted.

Last week, 19,000 bottles of the All Clean Hand Sanitizer, Moisturizer and Disinfectant sold in one liter bottles were recalled for the potential presence of methanol.

Below are the hand sanitizers added from July 8 to 10 to the FDA listing. See the FDA website for the current full list and more information about each product, including those recommended for recall.

Hand sanitizers recently added to FDA warning list

Added July 10

1. Shine and Clean Hand Sanitizer
2. Selecto Hand Sanitizer
3. Hand sanitizer (labeled with Wet Look Janitorial and Gardening Corp.)
4. Daesi hand sanitizer

Added July 8

1. Blumen Clear Advanced Hand Sanitizer with 70 Percent Alcohol
2. Blumen Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Clear Ethyl Alcohol 70 Percent
3. Blumen Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Clear
4. Klar and Danver Instant Hand Sanitizer (labeled with Greenbrier International Inc.)
5. Modesa Instant Hand Sanitizer Moisturizers and Vitamin E
6. Blumen Advanced Hand Sanitizer
7. Blumen Advanced Hand Sanitizer Aloe
8. Blumen Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Lavender
9. Blumen Clear LEAR Advanced Hand Sanitizer
10. Blumen Clear Advanced Hand Sanitizer
11. The Honeykeeper Hand Sanitizer
12. Blumen Advanced Hand Sanitizer Clear
13. Blumen Clear Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer
14. Blumen Clear Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Aloe
15. Blumen Clear Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Lavender
16. Blumen Aloe Advanced Hand Sanitizer, with 70 Percent Alcohol
17. Blumen Advanced Hand Sanitizer Lavender, with 70 Percent alcohol
18. Blumen Advanced Hand Sanitizer Aloe, with 70 Percent Alcohol
19. Blumen Antibacterial Fresh Citrus Hand Sanitizer
20. Blumen Hand Sanitizer Fresh Citrus
21. Klar and Danver Instant Hand Sanitizer
22. Hello Kitty by Sanrio Hand Sanitizer
23. Assured Instant Hand Sanitizer (Vitamin E and Aloe)
24. Assured Instant Hand Sanitizer (Aloe and Moisturizers)
25. Assured Instant Hand Sanitizer Vitamin E and Aloe
26. Assured Instant Hand Sanitizer Aloe and Moisturizers
27. Blumen Instant Hand Sanitizer Fragrance Free
28. Blumen Instant Hand Sanitizer Aloe Vera
29. Assured Aloe
30. Earths Amenities Instant Unscented Hand Sanitizer with Aloe Vera Advanced
31. Hand Sanitizer Agavespa Skincare
32. Vidanos Easy Cleaning Rentals Hand Sanitizer Agavespa Skincare
33. Andy's Best
34. Andy's
35. Gelclor
36. NeoNatural
37. Plus Advanced
38. Optimus Lubricants Instant Hand Sanitizer