Health Canada recalls 18 types of hand sanitizer

Recently, the Canadian Ministry of Health announced the recall of more hand sanitizers. Another 18 products were included in the list due to problems such as containing ingredients that are not allowed by the Canadian Ministry of Health or not being authorized for sale in Canada.

Sales and production of hand sanitizer have increased since the pandemic began, and Health Canada has previously recalled nearly 100 products.

In an update from Health Canada on June 22 , the agency noted that hand sanitizers are not allowed to contain "unacceptable levels of ethanol, elevated levels of undeclared impurities, or unauthorized denaturants that have not been reviewed for safety or efficacy."  

Ethyl acetate and methanol are not allowed in hand sanitizers

Two denaturants not allowed in hand sanitizers sold in Canada are ethyl acetate and methanol. Regular use of ethyl acetate may cause skin dryness and irritation, while methanol can cause more severe "dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory system irritation, and headaches."

Some of the sanitizers containing ethyl acetate included in the recall include Aerochem Liquid Hand Cleaner 70% Alcohol, JP Wiser's Distillery, KeraSpa, Premium Hand Gel Sanitizer and Umbrell (60 ml size).

Hand sanitizers are not allowed to contain undeclared impurities such as acetaldehyde and benzene

Another reason hand sanitizers can end up on recall lists is if they contain high levels of undeclared impurities, such as acetaldehyde and benzene. Both ingredients can increase the risk of cancer if found in elevated concentrations and used frequently over a long period of time , while benzene can cause " drowsiness, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, and headaches."

The hand sanitizers with elevated acetaldehyde levels in this recall are Gigi's Goodbye Germs Hand Sanitizer, Natural Concepts Sanitizing Gel and Peak Processing Solutions - 80% Ethanol Sanitizer.

Due to increased consumer demand for hand sanitizer, Health Canada did decide to allow hand sanitizer to use industrial-grade ethanol, which was not originally used in hand sanitizer. But those who use it must clearly label the product as containing this substance, purchase the ethanol from a select list of Health Canada authorized sellers, and warn customers not to use it on broken skin. Products that do not comply with this regulation may also be subject to recall.

Some of the new products on the recall list are improperly labeled or not authorized for sale in Canada .

Here is the full list of hand sanitizers affected in this recall:

Aerochem Liquid Hand Sanitizer 70% Alcohol

Bio-Odeur

Defenz

Gigi's Goodbye Germs Hand Sanitizer

JP Wiser's Distillery

KeraSpa

Natural Concepts Disinfectant Gel

Peak Processing Solutions - Ethanol Disinfectant 80%.

Preference Pre-Quat Disinfectant

Premium Gel Hand Sanitizer

Premium Hand Sanitizer

Puricia

Canadian Safe-Guard Hand Sanitizer

Salon Waterless Hand Sanitizer

SunnaPure Hand Sanitizer Spray

T-1000

TerraPure Hand Sanitizer

Umbrell (60 ml)

According to a Facts and Factors market research report , the global hand sanitizer market size is expected to reach $17 billion by 2026 from $8 billion in 2020 .

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and consumers' growing awareness of personal hygiene , the sales of hand sanitizers are also growing steadily. Sellers need to pay attention to whether the hand sanitizers they sell contain certain ingredients such as ethyl acetate , methanol and benzene , and arrange the products appropriately.

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