FDA testing detected the presence of benzene in The Mandalorian branded product and methanol in the Mickey Mouse version. The company was notified of the results in late February.
Benzene is a carcinogen, and substantial exposure can cause leukemia, blood cancer of the bone marrow, and life-threatening blood disorders, the FDA said.
Substantial exposure to methanol can cause serious health problems, including nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, coma, seizures, permanent blindness, permanent damage to the central nervous system, or death. The FDA noted “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 affected lots of hand sanitizer had already been taken off the market for “unrelated commercial reasons” and the company has received no complaints from customers about the Disney-themed products, according to Best Brands. Both lots were produced by a third-party manufacturer, according to the company statement.
The company warned customers to stop using and discard any items they have from lot 20E21, with an expiration date of September 30, 2022, of The Mandalorian hand sanitizer, that contains 68% ethyl alcohol and is available in green and blue 2.11 fl oz bottles.
The Mickey Mouse hand sanitizer from lot 20D21, with a June, 30, 2022, expiry, in blue, 2.11 fl oz bottles should also be discarded.