The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) released the following statement in response to ongoing efforts by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to keep hand sanitizers that contain harmful substances off the market:
“CHPA appreciates the steps FDA is taking to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, including ensuring products like alcohol-based hand sanitizers are widely available to help reduce the spread of disease. CHPA member companies share FDA’s concerns and are committed to manufacturing consumer healthcare products, including hand sanitizers, that are safe and effective. CHPA member companies manufacture products that meet FDA guidelines, but the pandemic has temporarily opened the door to companies inexperienced in drug manufacturing. FDA’s temporary guidance for non-drug manufacturers to make alcohol-based hand sanitizer is very clear and it is imperative that all companies follow the guidelines closely to avoid endangering consumer health. Put simply, if non-drug manufacturers want to sell FDA-regulated products, they need to follow FDA guidelines.
“We applaud FDA for its ongoing vigilance in protecting consumers by recalling certain hand sanitizers because they contain toxic ingredients, such as methanol and 1-propanol. We encourage consumers to visit FDA’s website for a list of hand sanitizers to avoid. FDA’s latest communication to consumers advises them to stop using products contaminated with methanol or 1-propanol immediately and also provides suggestions for safe disposal.”
