ACCC Recalls Dr Schwartz Hand Sanitiser Over Toxic Methanol

The health authority says the product poses a serious risk if swallowed, though harm from skin contact is unlikely.

A reader shares a surprising use for hand sanitizer. StarLine/Shutterstock

A hand sanitiser has been recalled after testing revealed it contained methanol, a chemical that can be fatal if swallowed.

The Dr Schwartz Hand Sanitiser was withdrawn after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) confirmed on Jan. 14 that it contained methanol, which can cause serious and irreversible harm, including death, if ingested.

The recall applies to 60ml bottles of the medical-grade sanitiser that were supplied as complimentary items to guests at Paradise Resort on the Gold Coast between Aug. 31, 2020, and Jan. 6, 2026.

The ACCC said 200ml bottles used at the resort were also affected.

“These were not supplied to guests as a complimentary product,” the ACCC said in its recall notice.

Consumers have been advised the affected product can be disposed of in general household waste.

NSW Health Issues Warning

Following the recall, New South Wales (NSW) Health on Jan. 15 issued an urgent warning advising residents to immediately stop using the product.

NSW health said methanol is highly toxic if swallowed and can cause severe injury or death, but noted that significant toxicity from skin contact is unlikely.

It also confirmed that high concentrations of methanol are not permitted in alcohol-based hand sanitisers or other products intended for public use.

Child Safety Concerns Highlighted

The recall has renewed concerns about the risks hand sanitisers pose to children.

In 2021, Consumer Protection issued a warning after a six-year-old child was admitted to a Perth hospital after ingesting between 30 and 60 millilitres of alcohol-based sanitiser. The child was treated for acute intoxication and later made a full recovery.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Lanie Chopping urged parents and carers to remain vigilant, warning that children can easily mistake sanitiser for food or drink.

“With many households and schools now using hand sanitiser as part of their daily routines, it’s important to remember these products should be treated with extra caution around children,” Chopping said.

“Most alcohol-based sanitisers contain upwards of 60 percent alcohol content, meaning just a couple of mouthfuls can be enough to poison a child.”

She added that poison centres across Australia have reported an increase in incidents involving hand sanitiser, noting that packaging such as pop-top plastic bottles increases the risk of children confusing the products with food or drink.