Health Canada recalls more than 50 hand sanitizers in evolving list
People advised to stop using products listed
The Canadian Press ·
Health Canada is recalling more than 50 hand sanitizers that contain ingredients "not acceptable for use" that may pose health risks.
The organization says hand sanitizers with "unacceptable types" of ethanol or denaturants have not been approved for use in sanitizers in Canada, and their safety and efficacy have not been established.
Denaturants are ingredients added to ethanol to make it unfit for human consumption to avoid unintentional ingestion of hand sanitizers particularly by children.
Health Canada said possible reactions to the ingredients include skin irritation, eye irritation, upper respiratory system irritation and headaches.
Health Canada has an evolving list on its website of 51 hand sanitizers that are currently being recalled and says Canadians should consult the list regularly. The organization says to stop using products listed, and to consult a health-care professional "if you have used these products and have health concerns."
Health Canada says use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be used if soap and water is not available for proper hand washing.
Separately in the U.S. on Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report warning of serious adverse events, including death, associated with ingesting alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing methanol.
From May 1 through June 30, 15 cases of methanol poisoning were reported in Arizona and New Mexico, associated with swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Four patients died, and three were discharged with visual impairment.
Health Canada says frequent use of hand sanitizer containing methanol may cause dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory system irritation and headaches.
Also in News
Limited Quantity Mark Labels are now mandatory
Until December 31, 2020, instead of the international mark, the means of containment may display:
- The words "Limited Quantity" or "quantité limitée";
- The abbreviation "Ltd. Qty." or "quant. ltée";
- The words "Consumer Commodity" or "bien de consommation";
As of January 1st, 2021, the new international safety mark for “LTD QTY” shipments by ground transport in Canada must display this label.
2020 IMDG Code Compliance Deadline Delayed
IMO announced that mandatory compliance with the forthcoming IMDG Codeamendment will start on June 1, 2022.
IMO plans to release Amendment 40–20 in early 2021. The new Code may be applied voluntarily after January 1, 2021.
Under normal conditions, Amendment 40-20 would have been published in Fall 2020. Compliance with a new IMDG Code amendment is voluntary in the first year following publication (i.e., 2021) and mandatory in the second year following publication (i.e., after January 1, 2022).
Limited Quantity Mark Now Mandatory
As of January 1st, 2021, the new international safety mark for “LTD QTY” shipments by ground transport in Canada must display this label.
It is important to make sure you and your employees understand when a limited quantity label is required and why. This will avoid refused shipments and protect your business from infractions.