PUTRAJAYA, Aug 21 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has banned the sale of Chomel Hand Sanitizer after three batches of the product were found to contain methanol above the permitted limit.

It said the action was taken by the director of Pharmaceutical Services following tests conducted by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) on the products under its market surveillance programme for the quality of notified cosmetic products.

According to the MOH, the test results found that the affected product batches did not comply with the specifications stipulated under the Guidelines for Control of Cosmetic Products in Malaysia

“The affected product batches are BN111025, BN01026 and BN061225,” it said in a statement today.

As such, the MOH urged the public not to purchase or use products from the affected batches.

The MOH said methanol is a chemical that is not permitted for use as an active ingredient in cosmetics, including hand sanitisers, except in very small quantities for specific purposes, adding that uncontrolled use may pose serious health risks.

“Uncontrolled exposure to methanol can pose serious health risks. Exposure to methanol through the skin can cause skin and eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, nervous system damage and visual impairment, including blindness.

“Excessive exposure to methanol or accidental ingestion can result in coma and death,” it added.

As such, the MOH has instructed sellers and distributors to immediately stop the sale and distribution of the affected products, as selling or distributing them constitutes a violation of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.

It said individuals found guilty of offences under the regulations may be fined up to RM25,000 or imprisoned for up to three years, or both, for a first offence, and fined up to RM50,000 or imprisoned for up to five years, or both, for subsequent offences.

Companies, meanwhile, can be fined up to RM50,000 for a first offence and up to RM100,000 for subsequent offences.

The MOH also advised the public to immediately stop using the product and seek medical attention if they experience discomfort or adverse reactions. — Bernama