April 7, 2022
Best Brands Consumer Products is recalling Disney-branded hand sanitizers featuring Mickey Mouse and Star Wars’ The Mandalorian over the presence of potentially cancer-causing benzene and methanol.
FDA testing found methanol in the 2.11-ounce Mickey Mouse-themed sanitizer and benzene in the 2.11-ounce Star Wars Madalorian version containing 68% of ethyl alcohol. These popular products aimed at children were sold nationwide through national retailers.
Benzene is classified as a carcinogen, and substantial exposure can lead to cancers including leukemia, blood cancer and other life-threatening blood disorders.
Substantial exposure to methanol can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, coma, seizures, blindness, damage to the central nervous system or even death. “Although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk, young children who accidentally ingest these products, and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are most at risk for methanol poisoning,” the report noted.
Best Brands has not received reports of “adverse events” related to the recalled hand sanitizers, said the FDA. Consumers who have the affected hand sanitizers have been advised to stop using them and discard them immediately. Of course, any health concerns should be reported to consumers’ health care providers immediately.