Hand Sanitizer Recalled Over Undeclared Methanol

UVT Inc. is voluntarily recalling 38,016 bottles of Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer due to undeclared methanol in the product. According to the August 5, 2020, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Enforcement Report, the FDA has categorized the recall Class I,  communicating use of the affected product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

Substantial exposure to menthol can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death, UVT Inc. explained in a June 29, 2020, company announcement about the recall. 

“Although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk, young children who accidently ingest these products, and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are most at risk for methanol poisoning,” the company stated. “To date, UVT Inc. has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.” 

The recall affects 1-liter bottles of Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer, 70% alcohol content (UPC 8 60003 63391 5), from lot 0530 (Exp. 4/22). The bottles were distributed throughout the United States. 

On June 22, 2020, UVT Inc. initiated the recall, which was deemed Class I by the FDA July 24, 2020. 

Saniderm is a hand sanitizer used to protect against bacteria and viruses.

—Jolynn Tumolo