Archive · 28 Aug 2026
DCA Inspects Vijayawada Shops Over Hand Sanitiser Misuse
Officials checked three medical shops in Vijayawada.
They were investigating whether people were buying large amounts of hand sanitiser to misuse it.
One shop in Patamata was found selling large quantities.
Some people allegedly mix sanitiser with water because it contains alcohol.
Hand sanitiser labels warn people not to drink it.
Drinking it can cause serious health problems.
The shops may face action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The practice reportedly became more common after Covid-19 rules made sanitisers easier to sell.
The Drugs Control Administration inspected three medical shops in Patamata and Governorpet, Vijayawada.
Officials found one Patamata shop selling hand sanitisers in large quantities.
Authorities said action may be taken under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Some people allegedly mixed sanitisers with water and consumed them for their alcohol content.
The DCA warned that hand sanitisers are not meant for human consumption and can cause serious health problems.
- Who
- The Drugs Control Administration, led in the operation by assistant director P. Srirama Murthy under directions from director Arun Babu, inspected three medical shops.
- What
- Officials investigated the alleged bulk sale and misuse of hand sanitisers as intoxicants and found one Patamata shop selling them in large quantities.
- When
- On Thursday; the report does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Medical shops in Patamata and Governorpet, Vijayawada.
- Why
- The inspection followed information that hand sanitisers were being sold in bulk for purposes other than their intended use and allegedly consumed for their alcohol content.
- Agency
- Drugs Control Administration (DCA)
- Locations
- Patamata and Governorpet, Vijayawada
- Shops inspected
- Three medical shops
- Finding
- One Patamata shop was found selling hand sanitisers in large quantities
- Potential action
- Action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Health warning
- Hand sanitisers are not intended for human consumption and may cause serious health problems
- Reported cause
- The practice reportedly emerged after mandatory licensing requirements were relaxed during the 2020 Covid-19 outbreak