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Disney-Themed Hand Sanitizers Recalled Over Carcinogen, Toxic Substance

FDA testing found benzene, a carcinogen, in one hand sanitizer, while methanol was found in another. Best Brand Consumer Products, which provided the sanitizer, has issued a voluntary recall.

Testing from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration determined that Disney-themed hand sanitizer featuring Mickey Mouse branding and “Baby Yoda” branding contained toxic chemicals, one of which is a known carcinogen and the other of which can trigger seizures.

Now, the company that provided Disney with the sanitizer, Best Brand Consumer Products, has issued a voluntary recall on the sanitizers. The New York City-based company imported the product, which was produced by an unidentified third-party manufacturer. Best Brand Consumer Products is not an ASI-listed company.

According to the FDA, Best Brands has not received reports of injuries or other adverse repercussions related to the sanitizer. The company told authorities that it previously removed the sanitizers in question from the market in April 2021 for unrelated commercial reasons.

star wars-themed hand sanitizer labels

The FDA found methanol in the Mickey-themed sanitizer and benzene in the Mandalorian/“Baby Yoda”-branded sanitizer.

“Consumers may contact Best Brands with questions regarding this recall or to request a refund by contacting Quality@BestBrandsintl.com,” the FDA said in a statement. “Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.”

FDA testing found that the sanitizer featuring Grogu, a character from the Disney series “The Mandalorian” who’s often called “Baby Yoda,” contained benzene. A carcinogen, substantial benzene exposure through inhalation, oral intake and skin absorption can lead to leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow, as well as blood disorders, authorities said. The sanitizer came in green and blue, and was listed as having 68% ethyl alcohol.

Meanwhile, FDA testing showed that the Mickey Mouse-branded sanitizer, which came in a blue formulation, contained methanol. Substantial exposure to methanol can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, coma, seizures, permanent blindness, permanent damage to the central nervous system or death, the FDA said.

“Although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk, young children who accidently ingest these products, and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are most at risk for methanol poisoning,” the FDA noted.

The FDA said the Mickey Mouse sanitizer came in 2.11 fl. oz bottles, with an expiration date of June 30, 2022. Its manufacturing lot number is 20D21. Its NDC number is 7453-013-02. The Grogu-themed sanitizer also came in 2.11 fl. oz bottle, but has an expiration date of Sept. 30, 2022. Its manufacturing lot number is 20E21. Its NDC number is 74530-012-02.

Word on the recall comes as hand sanitizer has been back in the news lately.

The FDA, for instance, recently called time on relaxed standards for producing hand sanitizer that had been implemented during the earlier days of the COVID-19 pandemic to enable more of the product to get to market to meet rampant demand. As of March 31, manufacturers had to stop distributing sanitizer made under the pandemic-era temporary guidelines and destroy what product they have left.

When sourcing hand sanitizer, promo products distributors should work with vetted, trusted vendors that can provide sound documentation on product safety, including a toxicology risk assessment.

“The best practice is to choose a supplier partner who is FDA-registered and manufacturers in the United States, and who can answer your questions regarding quality and testing – and who has a proven track record,” said Brandon Mackay, CEO of West Jordan, UT-based Top 40 supplier SnugZ USA (asi/88060) and a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people. “Be sure to ask for all the necessary compliance documentation.”