September 13: Government authorities have found harmful chemicals in sanitizers produced by five companies based in Kathmandu Valley.

Tests conducted by the Department of Drug Administration (DDA) has revealed that the sanitizers produced by the five companies contained considerable amount of methanol, which is considered hazardous to human health.

Stating that the use of such sanitizers might adversely affect the health of the people, the department has appealed to the public to be aware of such products.

According to Santosh KC, information officer at DDA, the department found considerable amount of methanol, which is considered harmful for human health.

The department has already instructed the five companies to stop  the production and sale of those products that do not meet the standard set by the government.

The department informed that Sanitized Hand Sanitizer produced by Hygienic Soap and Chemical Pvt Ltd, Advanced Hand Sanitizer produced by Aadhar Chemicals and Food Industries Pvt Ltd,  Instant Hand Sanitizer Refreshment Gel produced by Search Chem Cum Herbal Products, Suryamukhi Hand Sanitizer produced by Suryamukhi Herbal Products and Instant Hand Sanitizer produced by Nepal Kayakalpa Industry have been found containing methanol above the standard set by the government.

KC informed that four out of ten samples collected from the market had high levels of methanol while one was previously found breaching the standard protocol.

Information Officer KC further said that the department is currently studying the samples of all 40 local companies that are manufacturing sanitizers but are yet to be registered with the department.