FDA tested product; contains acetaldehyde and acetal contaminants; Company did not adequately respond to FDA requests for records and other information related drug manufacturing, product quality and scope of the contamination. FDA recognizes that distributors may use more than one manufacturer to produce their hand sanitizer products even if they are marketed under the same brand name. FDA’s recommendation not to use a manufacturer specific hand sanitizer would not necessarily extend to all products under that specific distributor brand name or other products sold by that distributor. How to use the table below:

One of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 or other diseases are to wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol). So, what kind of hand sanitizer should you use? "Alcohol-based sanitizers with 60 percent alcohol or higher are best at killing many types of germs," says Dr. Alexis. If your bottle contains any less than that, it may reduce growth of germs but not kill them. The CDC confirms a high alcohol content (also at least 60 percent) is required to kill germs.

FDA urges consumers not to use certain hand sanitizer products

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Foshan Meixin Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; formerly, Meixin Beauty & Health Care Products Co., Ltd (China) Scrub your hands. Use the amount of hand sanitizer recommended on the label, and rub it into both hands vigorously. Make sure to get all areas of the hands, including the wrists and under the nails, just as you do when washing. Rub until they air dry.Product manufactured at a facility that did not respond to multiple FDA requests for records related to drug manufacturing and product quality Product manufactured at a facility that did not respond to multiple FDA requests for records related to drug manufacturing and product quality. Product manufactured at a facility that did not respond to multiple FDA requests for records related to drug manufacturing and product quality; added manufacturer to import alert to help stop their products from entering the U.S. on 4/05/2023. Product manufactured at a facility that did not respond to multiple FDA requests for records related to drug manufacturing and product quality even after receiving a warning letter. FDA issued a warning letter on 08/30/2023. Product manufactured at a facility that did not respond to multiple FDA requests for records related to drug manufacturing and product quality even after receiving a warning letter. FDA issued warning letter on 9/19/2023.

Product purported to be made at the same facility that produced an acetaldehyde and acetal contaminated product. Company did not adequately respond to FDA requests for records and other information related to drug manufacturing, product quality and scope of contamination. Product manufactured at a facility that did not respond to multiple FDA requests for records related to drug manufacturing and product quality; added manufacturer to import alert to help stop their products from entering the U.S. on 03/27/2023. Combined with wearing a mask and practicing social distancing, keeping your hands clean is essential in preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus, as well as other germs that can cause the common cold and flu. Of course, washing your hands is the gold standard, but hand sanitizer is great option if don’t have access to soap and water. As we navigate cold and flu season (and the second wave of COVID-19), a bottle of hand sanitizer is a must-have. But choosing the right brand isn’t always simple. What to look for in an effective hand sanitizer Hand sanitizers are available as wipes and in gel form. They’re a convenient on-the-go option to use when soap and running water aren’t readily available. Product manufactured at a facility that did not respond to multiple FDA requests for records related to drug manufacturing and product quality; added manufacturer to import alert to help stop their products from entering the U.S. on 09/14/2023.

Historical References:

Burton M, et al. (2011). The effect of handwashing with water or soap on bacterial contamination of hands. DOI: Moisturizing full-size hand sanitizer: Say hello to so-soft, so-clean hands. Made with vitamin E, shea extract, aloe, essential oils and 70% alcohol*. The best and most recommended way to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria is to wash your hands. But, in instances where you might not be near a bathroom or just want extra protection, hand sanitizers are the next best thing (or best additional thing) — especially as we're all trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19.