Saudi FDA warns against five high-methanol perfumes

Abu Dhabi: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has warned against five perfumes due to their high content of methanol, which exceeded the permissible limit in Ssafety regulations.

The Saudi FDA indicated that exposure to a high level of methanol may pose health risks to the consumer, as it is considered highly toxic, and it has effects on the nervous system including headache, dizziness, as well as irritation of the respiratory system, skin and eyes.

The first perfume bears the name “pomegranate musk” having validity date 07/03/2022, while the second bears the name “Body Fragrance Sama”, of shelflife 08/03/2022, the third is “the Gold Oud Fragrance” having validity date 07/13/2023.

The Saudi FDA also warned about the “Oud Lover Fragrance” having the validity date of 06/13/2023, and “A sense of Freshener” having a shelf life of 07/03/2023.

The “authority” advised consumers not to use the advertised products, and to get rid of samples, stressing the importance of purchasing the products from reliable sources.

It pointed out that it is taking the necessary measures in coordination with authorities to follow up on withdrawing products from the market and taking legal action against violators.

The US Food and Drug Administration warned Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening when ingested.

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, health authorities have advised people to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and if soap and water are not available, they recommended using hand sanitisers.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hain has said, “Unfortunately, there are some companies taking advantage of the increased usage of hand sanitiser during the coronavirus pandemic and putting lives at risk by selling products with dangerous and unacceptable ingredients. Consumers and health care providers should not use methanol-containing hand sanitisers.”

To be safe, a hand sanitiser should be alcohol-based, containing at least 60 percent ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol.

Methanol, according to the FDA, “is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizer products and can be toxic.”

What to look for:

The main ingredient should be at least 60 percent ethanol (ethyl alcohol).

There are cases of hand sanitiser being labelled as ethanol but actually containing methanol. If the brand is not a name you are familiar with, it may be best to avoid it.