Health Canada is recalling 51 different hand sanitizer products, saying they may pose a health risk due to unauthorized ingredients.
The hand sanitizers were reportedly made with ethanol or denaturants and are “not acceptable for use” in sanitizers, according to the federal health department.
“Denaturants are added to ethanol to make it unfit for human consumption and, therefore, to avoid the unintentional ingestion of hand sanitizers (particularly by children),” says the recall alert.
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Consumers are also being reminded that the health agency has an updated list of hand sanitizers that contain technical-grade ethanol and are being recalled from the market because they are not compliant with federal regulations and may pose a risk to health.
“Possible adverse reactions to the ingredients in these products may include dermatitis, such as skin irritation and cracking; eye irritation; upper respiratory system irritation; and headaches,” reads the alert.
Health Canada is advising Canadians to visit the expanding list “regularly” and the agency advises people to stop using the listed products immediately. A total of 51 different products are now being recalled, with 20 recalled since July 21.
Health Canada has directed companies to stop the sale of these products and is “monitoring the effectiveness of the recalls.” For more information, including what Canadians should do, visit the online safety alert.