DCEDIY Notice: Withdrawal of hand sanitiser Virapro from the market

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has issued the following this morning to all providers regarding brand hand sanitiser

Dear Provider,

You may have seen media reports this morning about Virapro brand hand sanitiser.  The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has ordered its immediate withdrawal.  If you had bought Virapro for use in your childcare service, please do not use it, but replace it immediately.

This is the official notice from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Withdrawal of hand sanitiser Virapro from the market

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has removed the hand sanitiser product Virapro Hand Sanitiser (PCS 100409) from the Biocidal Product Register due to possible public health concerns.

Tests by the Department show that some of the sanitiser on sale does not comply with regulations governing the content and efficacy of such products. Some of the product contains methanol rather than ethanol. Prolonged use of such sanitiser may cause dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory system irritation and headaches. This product may not remain on the market or be made available for use. The company involved has been instructed by the Department to initiate an immediate recall of all product. Members of the public are advised to stop using this Sanitiser with immediate effect.  A Department investigation into this matter is ongoing.

We will let you know if there are any updates

Regards, Early Years Communication team,

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.