Public advisory

Some units of Triton Hand Sanitizer containing technical-grade ethanol sold in Canada without the necessary risk information

Starting date:
May 27, 2020
Type of communication:
Advisory
Subcategory:
Natural health products
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Product Safety
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-73201

Last updated: 2020-06-09

Summary

  • Product: Triton Hand Sanitizer (NPN 80097749)
  • Issue: Some units of Triton Hand Sanitizer containing technical-grade ethanol were distributed and sold without the required risk information on the label. Health Canada recently issued an advisory on the temporary authorization of technical-grade ethanol in hand sanitizer products.
  • What to do: Do not use this product on children, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or on broken or damaged skin. Do not inhale this product. Keep it away from open flame and sources of heat. Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Stop use and speak to a health care professional if irritation develops. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, call a poison control centre or get medical help right away.

Issue

Fluid Energy Group Ltd. has distributed units of Triton Hand Sanitizer without the required risk information on the label. This hand sanitizer contains technical-grade ethanol, which Health Canada recently authorized on a temporary basis for use in hand sanitizers in Canada to help address the increased demand in response to COVID-19.

The company estimates that approximately 100,000 20-litre pails (photo below) of the mislabeled product were distributed across Canada, with the majority sold at Canadian Tire stores. Other companies that have sold this product include Vallen Canada and Eecol Electric Corporation, which are industrial supply companies.

Fluid Energy Group Ltd. has contacted all of its customers to request that they stop selling the mislabelled product and is working to correct the labelling issue for any remaining product in stock. The company has also updated risk information posted on its website.

Health Canada recently conducted an assessment of the risks and benefits of using specific sources of technical-grade ethanol in hand sanitizers. The Department determined that, when used as directed and for a limited period, the public health benefits of using hand sanitizers containing approved sources of technical-grade ethanol to limit the spread of COVID-19 outweigh the risks.

What you should do

  • Do not use this product on children.
  • Do not use this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Do not use this product on broken or damaged skin.
  • Do not inhale this product.
  • Keep this product away from open flame and sources of heat.
  • When using this product, avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
  • Stop use and speak to a health care professional if irritation develops.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • If this product is swallowed, call a poison control centre or get medical help right away.
  • Report any health product adverse events or complaints to Health Canada.

Images

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