Distilled Spirits Aotearoa (NZ) has been mobilising its members by providing a streamlined “how to/FAQ” kit to accelerate their production of hand sanitisers.
Kiwi distillers such as BeGin Distilling, The Spirits Workshop and Elemental Distillers are using their spare alcohol to create hand sanitisers using the WHO approved recipe, and following FDA guidelines for manufacture and labelling.
A change in the advice from Medsafe on April 2 means that New Zealand distilleries can now provide hand sanitiser (classified as a ‘cosmetic’ by the New Zealand EPA) to primary health care facilities and personnel.
Medsafe says it has “no objection” to the provision of WHO formula hand sanitiser (that has not been approved as a medicine), provided there is no stock available of approved medical hand sanitiser. This does not apply to health care facilities where the risk is higher, such as DHB facilities and hospitals or for higher risk uses.
Sue James, Chair of Distilled Spirits Aotearoa, says distilleries are being approached daily by desperate health care workers, public institutions and medical facilities for a supply of hand sanitiser.
“Enquiries have come from diverse sectors, such as GPs, fire and emergency, midwives, pharmacies and disability services,” she says. “DSA applauds this pragmatic approach by Medsafe under the COVID-19 provisions.
“NZ distilleries are already such a strong part of their own local communities, they are happy and relieved that they can make such a positive practical contribution in a time of need.”
For more information, visit Distilled Spirits Aotearoa
