FDA issues guidance on producing hand-sanitizer alcohol

To increase the supply of hand sanitizers, FDA issued guidance for manufacturers that would like to produce alcohol (i.e., ethanol or ethyl alcohol) for use in alcohol-based hand sanitizers for consumers and health care personnel. The policy applies to “entities that are not currently regulated by FDA as drug manufacturers.” It does not extend to other types of active ingredients used into alcohol-based hand sanitizers, such as isopropyl alcohol. FDA last week said it does not intend to take action against compounders that prepare alcohol-based hand sanitizers for consumer use for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, provided that certain production guidelines are met.