Health Canada suspends licence, issues recall for hand sanitizer containing 'elevated levels' of methanol
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Health Canada has issued a recall and suspended the licence for PURE75 gel hand sanitizer after learning the product contains 'elevated levels' of methanol that can cause serious health issues such as skin and eye irritation, breathing problems, headaches and even death.
In a recall notice issued Thursday, the agency said tests conducted on the product found it contains the "undeclared impurity" of methanol, which is not authorized for use in hand sanitizers in Canada.
"Frequent exposure to hand sanitizers containing elevated levels of methanol may cause skin irritation, eye irritation, breathing problems, and headaches. If swallowed, methanol can cause severe adverse reactions, including death," Health Canada warned.
By suspending the product licence for the hand sanitizer, Health Canada says it is now illegal for any person or company to sell this product in the country.
The agency said PURE75 gel hand sanitizer's label is also missing important safety information and directions for use, including the following:
