Recent news from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has triggered a significant recall that could affect households across the United States. Certain batches of hand sanitizers and aloe gels, specifically those under the brand Aruba Aloe, have been recalled due to the presence of methanol, a substance that can pose severe health risks when absorbed through the skin or ingested.
Hand Sanitizer and Aloe vera Gel: The Details of the Recall
The FDA’s announcement on April 5 highlighted the recall of 40 lots of “Aruba Aloe Hand Sanitizer Gel Alcohol 80%” and “Aruba Aloe Alcoholada Gel.” This recall comes after it was discovered that the products were formulated with alcohol denatured with methanol.
The affected products were available for purchase between May 1, 2021, and October 27, 2023, exclusively through the Aruba Aloe Balm website in the U.S.
Hand sanitizers recalled in US as FDA warns methanol exposure could cause coma, blindness https://t.co/TZzESyCZ73
— Awakened Soul (@Awakenesoul) April 12, 2024
Health Risks Associated with Methanol
The presence of methanol in skincare products like hand sanitizer is particularly alarming due to its toxic nature.
According to the FDA, “Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, coma, seizures, permanent blindness, permanent damage to the central nervous system, or even death.” These severe potential health effects underline the seriousness of the recall.
Children and adolescents are at a higher risk, especially if the sanitizer is ingested accidentally or used as an alcohol substitute. This makes the recall particularly urgent for families with young children and teenagers.
What Should Consumers Do?
For those who have purchased or currently possess any of the recalled products, the FDA strongly advises ceasing use immediately. Consumers should properly dispose of the products to avoid any accidental exposure. Lot numbers and expiration dates for the recalled items can be checked on the FDA’s official website.
In response to the recall, Aruba Aloe has reached out to customers via email to inform them of the risks and has provided a discount coupon for future purchases as a goodwill gesture. Additionally, the FDA encourages anyone experiencing symptoms related to methanol exposure to seek medical advice promptly.
No Reported Incidents Yet
Fortunately, there have been no reported adverse events associated with these products to date. However, the potential for serious health issues remains a concern, prompting proactive measures by the FDA and Aruba Aloe.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of regulatory oversight and consumer vigilance in the personal care product market. It also highlights the need for thorough ingredient checks and regulatory compliance by manufacturers to prevent similar health risks in the future.
