Public advisory

Health Canada warns about certain hand sanitizers that may pose health risks (Part 2 – March 31, 2021 to present)

Last updated

Summary

Product
See table below for affected hand sanitizers
Issue
Health products - Product safety
COVID
What to do

Stop using the identified product lots below. Consult your health care professional if you have used any of these products and have health concerns. Report any health product adverse events or complaints to Health Canada. See the additional information on buying health products safely in the links below.

Affected products

There are two tables of affected products:

  • Part 1 (June 17, 2020 to March 24, 2021)
  • Part 2, below.
Affected products
Product Health Risk Company NPN or DIN Lot number Expiry date Action Taken Date added
Zero Tolerance Plus Sanitizer Contains undeclared impurity, benzene, at elevated levels Beauty In Bulk 80098829 23-01-11
23-02-04
23-02-09
23-02-16
23-03-04
23-03-09
23-06-07
23-07-30
Jan 2023
Feb 2023
Feb 2023
Feb 2023
Mar 2023
Mar 2023
June 2023
July 2023
Product recalled by company Product licence suspended by Health Canada 2022-09-12
Davey's Hand Sanitizer Insufficient quality oversight of product. Up On Me Imports Inc. 80102939 All All

Recall requested by Health Canada

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2022-07-11
Davey's Sanitizing Hand Wipes May contain undeclared ingredient, benzalkonium chloride; product not authorized to contain benzalkonium chloride Up On Me Imports Inc. 80103924 All All

Recall requested by Health Canada

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2022-07-11
Hand Sanitizing Wipes May contain undeclared ingredient, benzalkonium chloride; product not authorized to contain benzalkonium chloride Up On Me Imports Inc. 80102698 All All

Recall requested by Health Canada

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2022-07-11
Nomad Hand Sanitizer Jasmine May contain undeclared impurity, methanol, at elevated levels Rocky Mountain Soap Company 80101611 All All

Product recalled by company

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2022-07-11
Nomad Hand Sanitizer Lavender May contain undeclared impurity, methanol, at elevated levels Rocky Mountain Soap Company 80101564 All All

Product recalled by company

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2022-07-11
Nomad Hand Sanitizer Lemongrass; Nomad Hand Sanitizer Scent Free May contain undeclared impurity, methanol, at elevated levels Rocky Mountain Soap Company 80097907 All All

Product recalled by company

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2022-07-11
Nomad Hand Sanitizer Scent Free May contain undeclared impurity, methanol, at elevated levels Rocky Mountain Soap Company 80106380 All All

Product recalled by company

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2022-07-11
Nomad Hand Sanitizer Summertime May contain undeclared impurity, methanol, at elevated levels Rocky Mountain Soap Company 80109298 All All

Product recalled by company

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2022-07-11
Nomad Hand Sanitizer Winter Cheer May contain undeclared impurity, methanol, at elevated levels Rocky Mountain Soap Company 80104632 All All

Product recalled by company

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2022-07-11
Fighting Spirit Contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels The Newfoundland Distillery Company 80097930

20136
47
53
54
55

 

2025-04 Product recalled by company 2022-04-20
Alcohol Antiseptic 80% (v/v) Topical Solution Hand Sanitizer Contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels Rock Spirits / Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation 80098012 All All Product recalled by company 2022-02-21
Fighting Spirit Contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels The Newfoundland Distillery Company 80097930 20135 2022-05 Product recalled by company 2022-02-21
Rapid Protectant Hand Sanitizer Gel Not properly labelled (including missing risk statements and information for vulnerable population) D&L Distribution and Logistic Services Inc. 80110818
  • C-19B
  • A2021
  • C-2021
2023-04 Product recalled by company 2022-02-21
Absolute Hand Sanitizer; Gely Contains undeclared impurity, benzene, at elevated levels; not properly labelled (including missing information for vulnerable population) Canada Direct Imports 80099745 20200601 June 2022

Product recalled by company

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2021-07-12
Aerochem Liquid Hand Cleaner 70% Alcohol Not authorized for sale in Canada; contains unacceptable ingredient, ethyl acetate Walter Surface Technologies Inc. Unlicensed (no NPN or DIN on the label)
  • 200342480
  • 200342485
  • 200342486
  • 200342487
  • 200342488
  • 200342489
  • 200342491
  • 200342492
  • 200342497
  • 200442587
Not printed on the label Product recalled by company 2021-04-07
Alcohol Antiseptic 80% (v/v) Topical Solution Hand Sanitizer Contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels Rock Spirits / Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation 80098012
  • 20121
  • 20122
  • 20128
  • 20156
  • 20160
  • April 2022
  • May 2022
  • May 2022
  • June 2022
  • June 2022
Product recalled by company 2021-10-22
Avalon Laboratories - Ethanol Hand Sanitizer 80%; Securol Hand Sanitizer Contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels Avalon Laboratories 80101239
  • E062220C
  • E062320B
  • E070920A
  • E071420C
  • E071720A
  • E072320A
  • E072420C
  • E080420A
  • E081020A
  • E121620A
  • June 2022
  • June 2022
  • July 2022
  • July 2022
  • July 2022
  • July 2022
  • July 2022
  • August 2022
  • August 2022
  • December 2022
Product recalled by company 2021-08-24
Avalon Laboratories - Ethanol Hand Sanitizer 80%; Securol Hand Sanitizer Contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels Avalon Laboratories 80101239 E062220B June 2022 Product recalled by company 2021-07-12
Bio-Odeur Not authorized for sale in Canada Bio-Expert Products Inc. Unlicensed (no NPN or DIN on the label) All All Product recalled by company 2021-05-10
CN Pharma 80% Ethanol Hand Sanitizing Spray; Hand Sanitizer 80% Ethanol Spray On Contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels Canadian National Pharma Group Inc.

80098091

80097902 may appear on the label, which is the incorrect NPN

  • dc2005np001
  • db042120
  • dc2005np002
  • db42120
  • April 2023
  • April 2023
  • April 2023
  • April 2023
Product recalled by company 2021-10-22
Defenz Not properly labelled (Missing correct NPN, lot number, directions for use, and risk statements) Shiny Star Canada Ltd.

80100296 appears on the label, which is the wrong NPN.

80100294 is the correct NPN.

Not printed on the label May 2022 Product recalled by company 2021-06-22
Embassy Ingredients - Hand Sanitizer Contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels; not properly labelled (including missing risk statements and information for vulnerable population in French) Embassy Ingredients 80097955 All All Product recalled by company 2021-09-14
Gigi's Goodbye Germs Hand Sanitizer Not authorized for sale in Canada; insufficient quality oversight of the product Simply At Home Inc. 80101167
  • BB/MA 02/JN/2025
  • BB/MA 03/JN/2025
June 2025 Product recalled by company 2021-04-07
Gigi's Goodbye Germs Hand Sanitizer Not authorized for sale in Canada; sold without proper testing; contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels Simply At Home Inc. 80099956 All All Product recalled by company 2021-03-31
Hand San 510D Contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels; not properly labelled (including missing information for vulnerable population and missing all information in French) DuBois Chemicals Canada, Inc. 80098648 All All Product recalled by company 2021-08-24
Hand San Gel Product not authorized to contain technical-grade ethanol DuBois Chemicals Canada, Inc. 80105403 20190SV396 20223SV967 July 2022
September 2022
Product recalled by company 2021-09-14
Hand Sanitizer Contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels; not properly labelled (including missing risk statements and information for vulnerable population) Latitude 55 Distilling Co. 80099859 All All Recall requested by Health Canada 2021-07-12
iMed Hand Sanitizer; Yinba Contains undeclared impurity, benzene, at elevated levels; not properly labelled (including missing all risk statements in French) MTI-Mobiltech International Inc. 80098244 YB5019 - MFG-21032020 March 2022

Recall requested by Health Canada

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2021-07-12
JP Wiser's Distillery Contains unacceptable ingredient, ethyl acetate Hiram Walker & Sons Limited 80098173

200324-133735

Not printed on the label Recall requested by Health Canada 2021-04-07
KeraSpa Contains unacceptable ingredient, ethyl acetate Adbo Distribution 80076597 appears on the label, which is the wrong NPN
  • 100G01
  • 101G01
  • 104G01
  • 111G01
  • 112G01
April 2023 Product recalled by company 2021-05-03
Luxe Health Hand Sanitizer Gel (Ethyl Alcohol 74%) Contains undeclared impurity, benzene, at elevated levels Luxe Decor Sales Ltd. 80098844 20200531 May 2022

Product recalled by company

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2021-07-02
Luxe Health Hand Sanitizer Gel (Ethyl Alcohol 74%) Contains undeclared impurity, benzene, at elevated levels Luxe Decor Sales Ltd. 80098844
  • IN20200610
  • IN20200611
  • IN20200731C
  • June 2022
  • June 2022
  • July 2022

Product recalled by company

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2021-10-08
MediCare Foaming Hand Sanitizer May contain undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels; Not properly labelled (missing information for vulnerable population) Dollarama L.P. 80100289 45051156114 45051156115 45051156116 October 2023 November 2023 December 2023 Product recalled by company 2021-07-23
MediCare Hand Sanitizer Group May contain undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels Dollarama L.P. 80104587 All All Product recalled by company 2021-10-08
MediCare Hand Sanitizer;
#01-0102475 2pk Hand Cleanser;
PUR Hand Cleaner;
PUR Hand Cleanser;
Pur Hand Sanitizer
May contain undeclared impurities, acetaldehyde and/or benzene, at elevated levels Dollarama L.P. 80097810 All All Product recalled by company 2021-10-08
Medicare Instant Hand Cleanser Spray with Aloe and Vitamin E Moisturizer;
Scented Hand Cleanser Spray;
Scented Hand Sanitizer Spray
May contain undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels Dollarama L.P. 80103962 All All Product recalled by company 2021-10-08
MediCare Seasonal Hand Sanitizer;
Canada Souvenir Hand Cleanser;
Christmas Hand Cleanser;
Easter Hand Cleanser
May contain undeclared impurities, acetaldehyde and/or benzene, at elevated levels Dollarama L.P. 80100456 All All Product recalled by company 2021-10-08
MediCare Unscented Hand Sanitizer May contain undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels Dollarama L.P. 80101633 All All Product recalled by company 2021-10-08
Natural Concepts Sanitizing Gel Contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels Apollo Health and Beauty Care Inc. 80097861
  • A198667
  • A198673
  • A198804
April 2022 Product recalled by company 2021-05-28
Peak Processing Solutions - Ethanol sanitizer 80% Contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels 2682130 Ontario Limited (o/a Peak Processing Solutions) 80098093 PPS00000001 Not printed on the label Product recalled by company 2021-06-22
Natural Concepts Sanitizing Gel Contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels Apollo Health and Beauty Care Inc. 80097861
  • A198801
  • A198803
  • A198823
  • A198824
  • A198825
  • A198983
  • A199077
  • A199078
  • A199169
  • A199170
  • A199181
  • A199249
May 2022 Product recalled by company 2021-05-28
Preference Pre-Quat Sanitizer Not authorized for sale in Canada Les Produits Sanitaire Accord Inc. Unlicensed (no NPN or DIN on the label) All Not printed on the label Product recalled by company 2021-03-31
Premium Hand Gel Sanitizer Contains unacceptable ingredient, ethyl acetate Ambassador Oil and Gas (current product license holder is Sunbee Environmental Solutions) 80098388
  • 0420-01
  • 0420-02
  • 0420-03
April 2021 Product recalled by company 2021-04-07
Premium Hand Sanitizer Contains unacceptable ingredient, ethyl acetate Ambassador Oil and Gas (current product license holder is Sunbee Environmental Solutions) 80098358
  • 0420-04
  • 0420-05
April 2021 Product licence suspended by Health Canada 2021-04-07
Prevent+ Potential bacterial contamination with Burkholderia stabilis Eco-Med Pharmaceutical Inc. 80097875 All All Product licence suspended by Health Canada 2021-09-14
Prevent+ Foam Sanitizer Potential bacterial contamination with Burkholderia stabilis Eco-Med Pharmaceutical Inc. 80102490 All All Product licence suspended by Health Canada 2021-09-14
Prevent+ Rubbing Alcohol; Rubbing Alcohol 70% Potential bacterial contamination with Burkholderia stabilis Eco-Med Pharmaceutical Inc. 80103917 All All Product licence suspended by Health Canada 2021-09-14
PURE75 gel Contains undeclared impurity, methanol, at elevated levels; not properly labelled (including missing risk statements, directions for use and information for vulnerable population) Haywick Industries 80098346 101 August 2023

Product recalled by company

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2021-10-08
Pur-Vie Contains undeclared impurity, benzene, at elevated levels Literies Universelles Paga Inc. 80101600 11/2020 November 2022

Product recalled by company

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2021-07-23
Puricia Contains undeclared impurities, benzene and methanol, at elevated levels Pharmaberg Inc. 80100723 PABS0820 July 2022 Product recalled by company 2021-06-22
Safe-Guard Product Canada Hand Sanitizer Not authorized for sale in Canada; contains unacceptable ingredient, methanol St. Joseph Communications Unlicensed (no NPN or DIN on the label) 2020/05/11 May 2023 Product recalled by company 2021-04-07
Salon Solution Waterless Hand Wash Not authorized for sale in Canada; missing risk statements; product not authorized to contain technical-grade ethanol CBON Cosmetic Brands of North America Inc. Unlicensed (no NPN or DIN on the label) Not printed on the label Not printed on the label Product recalled by company 2021-04-19
Sani-Derm May contain unacceptable ingredient, ethyl acetate Laboratoires Choisy (Kersia Group) No NPN or DIN on the label All Lots
  • January 2022
  • February 2022
  • March 2022
  • April 2022
Product recalled by company 2021-12-21
SunnaPure Hand Sanitizer Spray Missing risk statements; product not authorized to contain technical-grade ethanol Cosmetics by Katakami Inc. 80099057
  • 0620-1
  • 0620-2
  • 0620-3
  • 0620-4
June 2022 Product recalled by company 2021-06-22
T-1000 Missing risk statements; product not authorized to contain technical-grade ethanol One-Bottle (9353-8957 Québec Inc.) 80103120 All. Not printed on the label. Not printed on the label

Recall requested by Health Canada

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2021-05-10
TerraPure Hand Sanitizer Contains undeclared impurity, benzene, at elevated levels TerraPure Sanitizer Inc. 80103052 201116-03 November 2023

Recall requested by Health Canada

Product licence suspended by Health Canada

2021-06-22
Umbrell (60 mL format) Contains unacceptable ingredient, ethyl acetate Affinite Gestion de Production 80076597
  • 099G01
  • 100G01
April 2023 Product recalled by company 2021-05-03
Wayward Distillery WHO Formula Hand Rub Contains undeclared impurity, acetaldehyde, at elevated levels; not properly labelled (including missing all risk statements in French and information for vulnerable population) Wayward Distillery 80098231 # 45 October 2022 Recall requested by Health Canada 2021-07-12

Issue

Certain lots of hand sanitizers do not meet Health Canada requirements. Issues include:

  • containing (or possibly containing) ingredients that are not permitted by Health Canada;
  • containing undeclared impurities at elevated levels;
  • improper labelling;
  • missing risk statements;
  • not being authorized for sale in Canada;
  • being sold without proper product testing;
  • being counterfeit; or
  • having defective or faulty packaging.

The affected hand sanitizers are listed in the table above. Health Canada will update this list if there are other affected products. Consumers are encouraged to consult the list regularly for updates.

What you should do

  • Stop using the products identified in the table.
    • Follow municipal or regional guidelines on how to dispose of chemicals and other hazardous waste; or
    • Return the product to your local pharmacy for proper disposal
  • Contact the company if you would like more information about the recall
  • Consult your health care professional if you have used these products and have health concerns
  • Keep all hand sanitizers out of the reach of children.
  • Never eat or drink hand sanitizers, as swallowing even small amounts can be dangerous or fatal. If swallowed, call a poison control centre or seek medical help immediately.

To help limit the spread of COVID-19, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers that have been authorized for sale in Canada. Consult these resources for more information:

Report any health product adverse events or complaints to Health Canada.

Additional information

Background

The COVID-19 outbreak has created a high demand for hand sanitizers. To increase the supply, Health Canada has taken several measures, including permitting the temporary use of technical-grade ethanol in alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Manufacturers wishing to use technical-grade ethanol must choose from a list of Health Canada-authorized suppliers. They must receive a No Objection Letter from us before they can manufacture or distribute the product.

Technical-grade ethanol contains more impurities than pharmaceutical- and food-grade ethanol. Therefore, manufacturers must include the following risk statements on their product labels if the ethanol impurities exceed a certain level:

  • Under Medicinal Ingredients: "Ethanol XX% (technical-grade)"
  • Under Directions: "Adults only"
  • Under Warnings: "Do not use on broken or damaged skin," "Not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding" and "Do not inhale"
  • Include a statement for consumers: "Report any incident to Health Canada"
  • Under Questions: "Call 1-866-234-2345 to report any adverse reaction"

Hand sanitizers that contain unacceptable grades of ethanol, undeclared impurities at elevated levels, or unauthorized denaturants have not been reviewed for safety or efficacy. Denaturants are added to ethanol to make it taste bad to discourage the unintentional ingestion of hand sanitizers, especially by children.

Two unauthorized denaturants have been found in hand sanitizers sold in Canada:

  • Ethyl acetate: Frequent use of hand sanitizer containing ethyl acetate may cause dry skin, leading to irritation or cracking
  • Methanol: Frequent use of hand sanitizer containing methanol may cause dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory system irritation and headaches. If swallowed, methanol can cause severe adverse reactions, including death.

An unauthorized medicinal ingredient has been found in hand sanitizers sold in Canada:

  • 1-Propanol: Frequent use of hand sanitizer containing 1-propanol may cause eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as dry cracking skin, drowsiness and headache
  • Benzalkonium chloride (BZK): BZK is permitted at a concentration of up to 0.15% in non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Frequent use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing undeclared BZK above a 0.15% concentration may cause irritation or an allergic reaction (ranging from rash and hives to trouble breathing), especially in vulnerable people like children and individuals allergic to this ingredient.

Two undeclared impurities at elevated levels have been found in hand sanitizers sold in Canada:

  • Acetaldehyde: Hand sanitizer containing elevated levels of the impurity acetaldehyde may increase the risk of cancer. This risk is assumed to increase with use (e.g., frequent applications over a long period of time)
  • Benzene: Hand sanitizer containing elevated levels of the impurity benzene may increase the risk of cancer. In addition, exposure (e.g. through inhalation or applying to the skin) to elevated levels of benzene may cause drowsiness, dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and headaches. These risks are assumed to increase with use (e.g., frequent applications over a long period of time).

Potential bacterial contamination has been found in hand sanitizers sold in Canada:

  • Burkholderia stabilis is a member of a group of bacterial organisms called Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) that are potentially highly virulent and multi-drug resistant. The effects of Bcc vary widely, ranging from no symptoms at all to serious infections. Bcc bloodstream infections may result in sepsis and death in some cases.

All health products, including hand sanitizers, must be tested before they can be sold in Canada. Testing is done to ensure the product meets Health Canada's required safety, quality and efficacy standards.

Counterfeit products may contain ingredients not listed on the label, dangerous additives or other contaminants. In addition, they may not contain the active ingredients consumers would expect them to contain. Since counterfeit products are unauthorized and made with an unknown formulation, they may not be effective at killing bacteria and viruses, and may pose serious risks to health.

For more information

What is being done

Health Canada has requested that companies stop selling and recall these products.

In some cases, Health Canada has suspended the product licence. A product licence suspension means that it is illegal for any person or company to sell this product in Canada.

The Department is monitoring the situation. If it identifies other products that do not meet Health Canada requirements, it will take appropriate action and inform the public by updating this list.

Details
Original published date:
Alert / recall type
Public advisory
Category
Health products - Natural health products
Companies
Published by
Health Canada
Audience
General public
Identification number
RA-62289
Media and public enquiries

Media enquiries

Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca

Public enquiries

(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
info@hc-sc.gc.ca