Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) warned consumers against the use of a hand sanitizer called “First, Hand Sanitizing Gel” because of the high level methyl alcohol (methanol) content. The sanitizer is the product of Rayah Al Bayan Factory for Disinfectants, Medical Antiseptics, and Cosmetics.

SFDA said in a statement that it had analyzed samples of the product from the local market to ensure their safety and compliance with the approved specifications, and it was found that the product contains a high percentage of methyl alcohol, saying that the exposure to high levels of this substance may cause health risks to the consumer, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The authority called on consumers not to use the product and get rid of the product that they have purchased, take them to the sales outlet to return the product and get a refund. It also urged to contact the Ministry of Commerce’s Notification Center 1900 in the event the seller refused to refund.

The authority said that it is taking the necessary measures in coordination with the competent authorities to follow up on withdrawing the product from the market, preventing its circulation and taking the regulatory measures against violators.

The authority advised consumers to inform the National Vigilance Center in the event of occurring any drug side effects or quality defects by contacting the uniform number 19999 or fax 00966112057662 or e-mail npc.drug@sfda.gov.sa or the link https://ade.sfda.gov.sa.