{
  "id": 2337689,
  "title": "MOH bans three batches of Chomel hand sanitiser over excessive methanol content",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/moh-bans-three-batches-of-chomel-hand-sanitiser-over-excessive-2337689",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-21T08:22:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/21/moh-bans-three-batches-of-chomel-hand-sanitiser-over-excessive-methanol-content/232208"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On August 21, the Ministry of Health (MOH) prohibited the sale of three batches of Chomel Hand Sanitizer due to excessive methanol content. The decision came after the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) conducted tests on the products as part of their market surveillance program. The affected batches, BN111025, BN01026, and BN061225, were found to violate the guidelines for cosmetic products in Malaysia. Methanol, though permitted in small quantities for specific uses, poses serious health risks when uncontrolled. Exposure can cause irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, nervous system damage, and visual impairment, including blindness. Severe or accidental ingestion may lead to coma and death. Consequently, the MOH instructed sellers and distributors to cease the sale and distribution of the problematic products, as doing so is a violation of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984. Penalties for offenses range from fines up to RM25,000 for first-time violators to RM50,000 for repeat offenders, with potential imprisonment terms extending from three to five years. The public is advised to immediately discontinue use of the product and seek medical attention if they experience any discomfort or adverse reactions.",
  "summary": "PUTRAJAYA, Aug 21 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has banned the sale of Chomel Hand Sanitizer after three batches...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "MOH bans three batches of Chomel hand sanitiser over excessive methanol content",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/moh-bans-three-batches-of-chomel-hand-sanitiser-over-excessive",
        "published": "2026-08-21T08:22:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}