A hand sanitiser is being recalled after it was found to contain potentially lethal chemicals that are highly toxic to humans and can catch fire.
The alert was issued on July 7 by The Chartered Trading Standards Institute for Shield Hand Sanitiser Gel.
Not only is the product ineffective at killing bacteria or viruses, but contains the toxic substance methanol that can be a fire risk, the alert warns.
Made in the UK, the 100ml gel is packaged in a plastic bottle and is available with a black or white self-closing cap.
The alert states: "Consequently, it does not kill bacteria or viruses, which could then reach the user, increasing the risk of infection.
"The product does contain methanol (measured value: 3.4%), which is acutely toxic to the central nervous system and the eye.
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"Ingestion or contact with methanol leads to blindness and death.
"Furthermore, the presence of methanol is not accompanied by the corresponding hazard pictograms and warnings.
"Users have therefore no information on the toxicity and flammability of the product, which in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a fire."
The news of the recall comes as tens of thousands of people in "high-risk" jobs will be tested for coronavirus despite having no symptoms as part of a new government scheme.
People including taxi drivers, cleaners and shop assistants will be involved in the pilot announced by the Department of Health and Social Care today.
