Health Canada issues recalls for three brands of hand sanitizer

Health Canada has issued a recall for three brands of hand sanitizer because they may pose health risks.

The new products were added to the health authority’s running list of hand sanitizer recalls on November 27.

Concept Manufacturing Ltd – Ethanol Sanitizer 75%, also referred to as Sani-Soft Sanitizing Skin Cleanser, is being recalled because it is missing risk statements and is not authorized to contain technical-grade ethanol.

Health Canada mandates that sanitizers containing technical-grade ethanol include several warnings on their labels, including “Do not use on broken or damaged skin” and “Not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.”

There is no lot number printed on the bottles, but the affected products have expiry dates from April 1, 2022 to June 4, 2022.

A recall was issued for four-litre containers of PurGerme sanitizer because the products contain 1-propanol, an “unacceptable” ingredient.

Health Canada says frequent use of hand sanitizer that contains 1-propanol may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as dry cracking skin, drowsiness, and headaches.

Two different batches of the sanitizer are being recalled. The first has a lot number of 8009255 and expires in July 2023. The second recall is for lot number 80098625-06 with an expiry date of September 2023.

The 101 Coast Distillery Hand + Surface Sanitizer is being recalled for a number of infractions. Health Canada says the sanitizer is missing risk statements and is not authorized to contain technical-grade ethanol. The product is not authorized for sanitizing hard surfaces, they say.

There is no expiry date on the label, but lot numbers 57 through 64 are affected.

Health Canada is advising anyone with the recalled products to stop using them and consult their healthcare professional if they have concerns.