Product recall notice on ViraPro hand sanitiser PCS100409.

The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine has issued a product recall notice on ViraPro hand sanitiser PCS100409. The supplier of this product was one of 11 suppliers on the multi supplier framework for PPE for education settings. The Department of Education is informing all schools of the need to check whether they have used this supplier and have stocks of this product. Schools should follow the advice of the Department of Agriculture to cease using it.

On Friday 23 October schools that are impacted by this can make local arrangements to purchase stocks of hand sanitiser and can maximise the use of hand washing to support necessary hand hygiene. If a school that is impacted judges it necessary to do so, they can choose to close for the day or close early on Friday 23 October. 

If a school is having difficulty sourcing replacement hand sanitiser, they should contact the Department on the Covid-19 helpline number 057 9324461 or email  covid19_alert@education.gov.ie. Additional funding will be provided to schools to enable them to purchase the necessary supplies  from an alternative supplier.

Please see the notification from the Department of Agriculture below:

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.

If you require any further clarification please do not hesitate to contact ACCS on 01 4601150.

John Irwin, General Secretary, ACCS