Health Canada recalls sanitizer over acetaldehyde risk

Photo: Unsplash/Kelly Sikkema

Health Canada is advising Canadians that another brand of hand sanitizer is being recalled because it may pose "health risks."

Newfoundland Labrador Liquid Corp. is recalling some lots of its Alcohol Antiseptic 80% (v/v) Topical Solution Hand Sanitizer because they may contain a "concentration of acetaldehyde that is outside the acceptable limit."

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).

The liquid sanitizer is listed as 80 per cent ethyl alcohol. The NPN listed is 80098012.

The lot or serial numbers of the affected products are 20121, 20128, 20160, 20122, and 20156.

• 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
• 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.