FDA Recalls Hand Sanitizer Contaminated with Methanol: Health Risks and Consumer Warnings

The recent recall of several lots of aloe gel and hand sanitizer by federal health officials due to the presence of methanol has raised significant concerns about the safety of these products and the risks they pose to consumers’ health. According to a notice published by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 40 packages of Aruba Aloe Hand Sanitizer Gel Alcohol 80% and Aruba Aloe Alcoholada Gel have been recalled as they contain alcohol denatured with methanol.

Methanol exposure poses a major risk to consumers’ health, with substantial exposure potentially leading to death or permanent damage to the central nervous system. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include nausea, vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, coma, seizures, and permanent blindness. The FDA has warned consumers to immediately stop using the recalled hand sanitizer products and dispose of them to avoid potential health risks.

The impacted hand sanitizer gel from Aruba Aloe Balm N.V. is packaged in 12-ounce dark green plastic bottles with white labels, while the Aruba Aloe Alcoholada Gel comes in two sizes: 2.2 fl oz and 8.5 fl oz plastic bottles. These products were distributed between May 1st, 2021, and October 7th, 2023, and were available for sale online in the United States via the website of Aruba Aloe Balm N.V.

The FDA’s recall of hand sanitizers contaminated with methanol is part of a broader effort to address the proliferation of potentially hazardous sanitizers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methanol, while commonly used in industrial settings, can have serious health consequences when absorbed through the skin or ingested. Young children who accidentally ingest these products and adolescents and adults who use them as a substitute for ethyl alcohol are particularly at risk for methanol poisoning.

Victims who have suffered harm or injury as a result of using contaminated hand sanitizer products may have legal options to seek damages through a product liability lawsuit. By filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or other entities in the supply chain, victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages incurred as a result of their injuries. An experienced attorney can provide guidance and representation throughout the lawsuit process, ensuring that victims’ rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.