In a significant health alert, over three dozen lots of hand sanitizer and aloe gel products have been voluntarily recalled after it was discovered that they contain methanol, a toxic substance known to cause severe health issues, including blindness and coma. The affected products, namely Aruba Aloe Hand Sanitizer Gel Alcohol 80% and Aruba Aloe Alcoholada Gel, were sold across the United States through online channels from May 2021 to October 2023.
Aruba Aloe Balm N.V. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Aruba Aloe Hand Sanitizer Gel Alcohol 80% and Aruba Aloe Alcoholada Gel Due to Presence of Methanol https://t.co/QgqraeEXyr pic.twitter.com/nfEvzBOWGY
— U.S. FDA Recalls (@FDArecalls) April 8, 2024
The manufacturer, Aruba Aloe Balm N.V., based in Oranjestad, Aruba, initiated the recall following the identification of methanol, a toxic form of alcohol, in these products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a strong warning about the dangers of methanol exposure, which include nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, permanent damage to the nervous system, and even death. These risks are heightened for children who may accidentally ingest the products and for adolescents or adults who may use them as an alcohol substitute.
Consumers who have purchased the affected products are urged by the FDA to stop using them immediately and dispose of them in a safe manner. They are also advised to seek medical advice if they have used the products to ensure they have not been harmed by exposure to methanol.
You know what else needs to be recalled?
FDA announces aloe hand sanitizer recall over methanol risk. pic.twitter.com/JlCljEoCxr
— Woke Virtue Signaling (@WokeVirtueSignl) April 9, 2024
As a response to the recall, Aruba Aloe Balm N.V. is directly notifying customers via email and offering a discount coupon for future purchases as a gesture of goodwill. To date, no adverse effects related to these products have been reported.
This incident highlights significant concerns about product safety oversight and the need for rigorous regulatory compliance to prevent hazardous substances from entering consumer goods. It underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and stringent safety protocols for products that are meant for health and hygiene.
The recall also emphasizes the critical role that consumers play in maintaining awareness about the safety of products they use. Consumer vigilance is essential to minimizing risks associated with potentially harmful products.
As regulatory bodies like the FDA continue to investigate and take further steps to prevent such occurrences, the primary focus remains on the health and safety of consumers. This recall serves as a reminder of the potential dangers in everyday products and the shared responsibility of manufacturers, regulators, and consumers to ensure public health safety.
