Health Canada has recalling 51 hand sanitizers because they contain types of ethanol or denaturants that are not acceptable ingredients for use in hand sanitizers.
Multiple types of unacceptable ethanol and denaturants have been found in hand sanitizer products.
Denaturants are added to ethanol to make it unfit for human consumption, particularly by children.
Possible adverse reactions include dermatitis, such as skin irritation and cracking, eye irritation, upper respiratory system irritation, and headaches.
Health Canada also maintains and updates a list of hand sanitizers that contain technical-grade ethanol and are being recalled because they don’t comply with regulations.
“Stop using these products. Consult your healthcare professional if you have used any of these products and have health concerns,” the agency says.
Any health issue should also be reported to Health Canada.
Health Canada will update the list if it becomes aware of other affected products, and Canadians are encouraged to consult the list regularly.
The agency is also urging people to use hand sanitizers that are authorized for sale in Canada. These products can be found on the list of hand sanitizers that meet Health Canada’s requirements.
