Medek Hand Sanitizer Recall: Methanol Contamination + Subpotent Ethanol Levels

Medek Issues Recall of “M” Hand Sanitizer Due to Potential Presence of Methanol (Wood Alcohol) and Subpotent Ethanol Levels

In another of many hand sanitizer recalls since the start of the pandemic, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working with Medek LLC to remove all lots of “M” hand sanitizer from store shelves.

FDA analysis found the M Hand Sanitizer to contain methanol and be sub-potent for ethanol.

The product is labeled “M Hand Sanitizer” Alcohol Antiseptic 80% 128 oz/3,785 mL.

It is packaged in a 1 gallon (128 oz/3,785 mL) High-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic bottle, NDC 75432-001-02.

The recalled Hand Sanitizer was distributed directly to walk-in customers in Alamo, TX, between the dates of 04/17/2020 to 05/22/2020.

Thus far, Medek has not received any reports of adverse events.

FDA Risk Statement: Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death. Although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk, young children who accidently ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are most at risk for methanol poisoning. In addition, the use of sub-potent hand sanitizer products can have adverse health consequences related to lack of efficacy and increased risk of infections.

Read the full recall statement.