U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) Expands Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer Support in Response to Quality Incidents Reported During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the alcohol-based hand sanitizer quality incidents reported across the globe, the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) is offering free access to USP-NF standards, information and on-demand education related to producing quality alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Additionally, USP is hosting a global seminar series, Ensuring Quality Hand Sanitizer Production During COVID-19, bringing together leading experts from regulatory agencies, public health institutions and industry to discuss challenges associated with quality alcohol-based hand sanitizer and provide additional resources to produce (including ingredients such as alcohol), label, package, and distribute quality alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

COVID-19-related supply chain pressures have created global shortages that led to new vendors, materials and production pathways to meet demand. These fast-paced changes have caused an emergence of quality incidents both regionally and globally. Globally, over 200 alcohol-based hand sanitizer quality incidents have been reported in 2020. For example, in the United States, one batch of contaminated alcohol-based hand sanitizer caused 15 cases of hospitalized methanol poisoning, which led to four patient deaths and three with visual impairments.

"Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an important element in infection prevention, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, when quality is compromised, it can be less effective against infection transmission and can also lead to user harm," said Jaap Venema, chief science officer for USP. "Together, we must remain vigilant to help ensure the quality of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and support its safe use."

About USP
USP is an independent scientific organization that collaborates with the world's top experts in health and science to develop quality standards for medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. Through our standards, advocacy and education, USP helps increase the availability of quality medicines, supplements and food for billions of people worldwide. For more information about USP, visit www.usp.org.

Media Contact
Anne Bell
[email protected]
Mobile: +1-240-701-3242

SOURCE USP

Related Links

http://www.usp.org

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED