Some schools could be forced to close early today after one of the hand sanitisers currently in use in educational facilities was recalled due to possible public health concerns.
Late last night, the Department of Agriculture issued a product recall for ViraPro hand sanitiser, which can lead to dermatitis and headaches, among others, with prolonged use.
ViraPro is one of 11 suppliers available to schools on the multi-supplier framework for PPE for education settings.
It is not known how many schools are currently using this hand sanitiser. All are being asked to check their stock and remove it immediately.
Impacted schools are being instructed to “maximise the use of handwashing” instead and attempt to make local arrangements to purchase hand sanitiser.
“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 products, the statement added.
“Members of the public are advised to stop using this sanitiser with immediate effect. A Department investigation into this matter is ongoing.” All schools are now asked 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 immediately, a spokeswoman for the Department of Education said.
Impacted schools should make local arrangements to purchase stocks of hand sanitiser and can maximise the use of handwashing to support necessary hand hygiene, she added.
Reference https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40069724.html
