Got Alcohol?

As companies such as LVMH, L Brands, L'Oréal, J&J and others ramp up hand sanitizer production, a new issue has arisen as the world battles the coronavrus pandemic—the need for alcohol. 


In a nod to the severity of the coronavirus pandemic, last week the FDA issued guidance on hand sanitizer production, in an effort to give producers more flexibility to help meet demand.


We are aware of significant supply disruptions for alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Many manufacturers make hand sanitizers, and several have indicated that they are working to increase supply,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. “In the meantime, these guidances provide flexibility to help meet demand during this outbreak. We will continue to work with manufacturers, compounders, state boards of pharmacy and the public to increase the supply of alcohol-based hand sanitizer available to Americans.”


Because of an increased demand for alcohol-based hand sanitizers during the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been reports of some consumers attempting to make hand sanitizers for personal use. The agency lacks information on the methods being used to prepare such products and whether they are safe for use on human skin.


The guidance Temporary Policy for Preparation of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency (COVID-19), is immediately in effect and outlines that the agency does not intend to take action against manufacturing firms that prepare alcohol-based hand sanitizers for consumer use and for use as health care personnel hand rubs during this ongoing public health emergency as described in the guidance .


This guidance can be found here.


Alida Stevens, founder of Smith & Vandiver told Happi the move to make sanitizer is relatively simple.


“We've done this at Smith & Vandiver. The switch was easy, as we are already an FDA-registered pharmaceutical facility with ATF license,” she explained. “Our challenge now is to find more alcohol. Our normal suppliers are out and our efforts to source more have not been successful yet. We're open to all leads.”


Alcohol suppliers should contact Jeff Slaboden, Smith & Vandiver, 831-247-1760; [email protected]