Sanitiser requires care around kids

People are being reminded to treat hand sanitiser products with extra caution around children.

Consumer Protection regional coordinator for the South West region, Annetta Bellingeri said most alcohol-based sanitisers contained upwards of 60 per cent alcohol.

“Poison centres across Australia have seen an increase in adverse reports involving these products,” Ms Bellingeri said.

“Just a couple of mouthfuls can be enough to poison a child.

“Given these products are packaged in a range of container types, including plastic bottles with pop-top lids, there is greater potential for them to be mistaken for food or drink.”

Consumer Protection has joined the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in working with suppliers to make sure hand sanitiser is not being sold in packaging that resembles food or drink bottles.

“Consumers who use their own bottles at in-store hand sanitiser refill stations should clearly mark their bottles to avoid confusion with any other household food item,” she said.

When buying hand sanitiser, Ms Bellingeri encourages people to check the label for any ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction.

“If the label fails to list any ingredients, you should report the product to the ACCC,” she said.

“Hand sanitiser should always be kept out of reach of children and should only be used by children under adult supervsion.”