Don’t drink this: hand sanitizer reminder on package

(NEXSTAR) – American Screening LLC is voluntarily recalling 153,336 units of hand sanitizer that are packaged in containers that look like water bottles and pose a risk for consumption.

The product, which contains 70% ethyl alcohol gel, comes in 8-ounce bottles and is intended for topical use to help reduce bacteria on the skin when soap and water are not. available, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration.

“Ingestion of hand sanitizer, which is intended for topical use, could potentially result in alcohol toxicity,” the FDA said.

Symptoms can include lack of coordination, slowed or blurred speech, drowsiness or coma, which can be fatal. Ingestion can also affect the brain and cause impairment when driving or operating heavy machinery.

The FDA also warns that alcohol consumption may cause addicts to relapse or seek to consume ethanol-based hand sanitizers as a substitute.

The affected products have the expiration dates of May 21, 2022 and May 24, 2022 for black-capped bottles. Affected products with clear cap vials do not have an expiration date.

The product is shaped like a small water bottle with a black cap or a clear cap with a blue pouring spout, the FDA said. It also has the UPC code 8 4005051579 2. It has been sold online nationwide.

While American Screening LLC has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall, the Shreveport, Louisiana company is advising its distributors and customers and urging them to stop using the product and dispose of it. or to bring it back to the place of purchase. .

Consumers who have ingested the hand sanitizer should contact their health care provider if they have any problems.

Consumers with questions about the recall can email wlaskowski@americanscreeningcorp.com or call 318-606-6037 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST.