FDA places all alcohol-based hand sanitizers from Mexico on ‘Import Alert’

(WHEC)— The Food and Drug Administration has now placed all alcohol-based hand sanitizers coming from Mexico on import alert.

The agency says it has seen a "sharp increase" in hand sanitizer products from Mexico with labels listing ethanol, but that tested positive for methanol. Methanol can be dangerous when absorbed through the skin, or ingested.

The agency says hand sanitizers from Mexico will now be subject to "heightened" FDA scrutiny, and shipments may be detained.

News10NBC’s Deanna Dewberry has investigated toxic sanitizers for months, look for her reports here.