April 9 2020
-contains nowhere near the percentage of alcohol required
The Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) has issued an immediate recall of the Purcill brand of hand sanitizer from local shops and stores.
A release today, issued by Director, Food and Drug Department, Dr Marlon Cole, stated that the GA-FDD’s decision was based upon the analysis of the product at its Excise laboratory after receiving a consumer complaint on March 24, questioning the sanitizer’s use and efficacy.
According to the GA-FDD, on March 26, its Excise laboratory’s analysis revealed that the percentage of alcohol in the Purcill Brand Hand Sanitizer is only 0.53 % and not 62 % as stated on the label. This, the Department advises, is way below the stipulated strength of at least 60% alcohol as is required for efficacy and therefore constitutes a direct violation of the Laws of Guyana Food and Drug Act of 1971 Chapter 34:03 Section III Part 10 (1) and the Food and Drug Regulation of 1977 section 58 (2).
The Department also disclosed that this product is purportedly made in China as claimed by the label “Made in China” and “Distributed by Congreat Enterprises Inc, Miami, FL-33178 U.S.A.”
The GA-FDD said that it was able to peruse invoices furnished by Andrews Enterprise of Lot 00 Hadfield Street, Wortmanville, and 1 E ½ Drury Lane & Austin Street, Campbellville, representing the sale of 2,350 237ml-bottles. Efforts to effect seizures of this product from the shelves of retail outlets and visits to the alleged distributors “were stymied because of the current situation,” however, the Department assured that the alleged distributor(s) will be contacted and asked to make immediate contact with the department.
Meanwhile, the Department is advising consumers not to use this product “since the expected results cannot be guaranteed, particularly for the sanitizing of hands during the Covid-19 Emergency.”
Manufacturers and importers of sanitizers are asked to ensure labels of sanitizing agent are duly approved by the Department and that the necessary licence or permits are obtained before releasing for sale on the local market.
Consumers are also reminded to ensure that the labels of sanitizers declare the percentage (%) of alcohol and list all the active ingredients, the release added.
