Methanol Contamination: Rubbing Alcohol Recalled Due To Poisoning Risk

Essaar Inc. is voluntarily recalling its Soho Fresh rubbing alcohol as it is contaminated with methanol.

As a toxic alcohol, methanol may cause adverse health reactions including seizures, permanent blindness, comatose, vomiting, headache, nausea, blurred vision, permanent damage to the nervous system or even death, the New Jersey-based company announced on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), methanol exposure can occur in several ways – by inhalation, ingestion and skin or eye contact. However, ingestion is said to be an "important route of exposure."

While all users may be at risk of potential exposure, young children who accidentally consume the product and those who drink the product as an alcohol substitute are "most at risk" for methanol poisoning, the company said.

Some people consume rubbing alcohol because it is much stronger than ethanol, which is the intoxicating substance found in alcoholic beverages, the American Addiction Centers said. It is often people suffering from alcoholism who consume rubbing alcohol.

Affected product

The recall involves Essaar Inc.'s Soho Fresh 70% rubbing alcohol, sold in 33.81-ounce clear plastic bottles with the lot number 200528303 and UPC 7502268987367. They were distributed to retail stores nationwide, the company said. Those who purchased them should not open the package and stop using them. They can return the product to the place of purchase for a refund.

Anyone with questions about the recall can contact Essaar Inc. at 201-647-7606 or email the company at essaarinc@yahoo.com.

The company has not received any reports of adverse effects connected with the product.

Methanol exposure

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, alcohol and hand sanitizers have become staples in every household. However, there are also risks involved with the use of such products, especially with young children around. In Spain, for instance, the number of children treated for accidental poisoning reportedly spiked during the pandemic.

This is also why authorities have been warning the public about such products that sometimes come in packages that look like food or drinks.