Disney-branded hand sanitizers featuring Mickey Mouse and The Mandalorian’s Baby Yoda are being voluntarily recalled due to concerns over the products containing potentially hazardous chemicals. After running tests on the hand sanitizers, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “found the presence of benzene” in The Mandalorian Hand Sanitizer (a known human carcinogen that has been associated with an increased risk for certain types of cancer following substantial exposure) and methanol in the Mickey Mouse Hand Sanitizer (toxic alcohol that, when ingested in substantial amounts, can lead to moderate-to-severe neurological, gastrointestinal, and ophthalmologic issues).
As of April 5, 2022, there have been no reports of adverse reactions to either product. The sanitizers were produced by a third-party manufacturer and imported by Best Brands Consumer Products, Inc., a New York–based business that primarily deals with textiles. “Upon being notified of the testing results by FDA in late February, 2022, Best Brands promptly investigated and determined that both of the affected lots were produced during the months of April and May 2020 and confirmed that the affected lots had already been removed from sale in April 2021 for unrelated commercial reasons,” the FDA said in a statement.
There are currently only two types of hand sanitizer included in the voluntary recall. Here are the details you need to know:
Mickey Mouse Hand Sanitizer
- Ethyl Alcohol: 68%
- Color: Blue
- Label image: Mickey Mouse
- Size: 2.11 fl. oz bottle
- MFG lot: #20D21
- Expiration date: 6/30/2022
- NDC: #74530-013-02
The Mandalorian Hand Sanitizer
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- Ethyl Alcohol: 68%
- Color: Blue or green
- Label image: Baby Yoda
- Size: 2.11 fl. oz bottle
- MFG lot: #20E21
- Expiration date: 9/30/2022
- NDC: #74530-012-02
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), washing your hands with soap and water (ideally for at least 20 seconds) is the most effective way to eradicate potentially harmful germs; however, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can inactivate many types of microbes effectively when used correctly. Since early 2020, when COVID-19 began sweeping across the globe, hand sanitizers have surged in popularity. Globally, the hand sanitizer market is set to grow from $1.2 billion in 2019 to $2.14 billion by 2027, according to some market predictions.
In recent years, the FDA has issued various recalls on specific hand sanitizers. The most common concerns were that the products were contaminated with toxic forms of alcohol, labels featured false or unsubstantiated claims, and products did not have a sufficient amount of active ingredients (typically ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol) to live up to their germ-killing expectations. If you are concerned about whether your hand sanitizer is safe and effective, the CDC and FDA recommend using a product that contains at least 60% alcohol. Before purchasing a new hand sanitizer or using your existing one, the FDA recommends checking their “do-not-use list”, which is regularly updated in accordance with testing.
If you have purchased either of the recalled Disney-branded hand sanitizers, the FDA advises you to immediately discontinue use and discard the item. The best way to apply for a refund is to get in touch with Best Brands over email at [email protected]. If you have unfortunately experienced an adverse reaction to the hand sanitizer, please seek immediate medical attention. You can also report your case to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online.
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Source: SELF
