Over three dozen batches of hand sanitizer and aloe gel have reportedly been recalled because they contain a highly poisonous substance that can cause serious health problems, including blindness and coma.
The FDA said Friday that Aruba Aloe Balm NV, based in Oranjestad, Aruba, is “voluntarily” recalling 40 lots of Aruba Aloe Hand Sanitizer Gel Alcohol 80% and Aruba Aloe Alcoholada Gel. These products contain alcohol modified with methanol.
As the FDA notes, exposure to methanol can lead to nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, coma, seizures, permanent blindness, permanent central nervous system damage, or death. Those most at risk for methanol poisoning are children who accidentally ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as substitutes for alcohol (ethanol).
Aruba Aloe Balm NV declares that it has not received any reports of adverse events related to the use of its products.
Aruba Aloe Hand Sanitizer Gel is used as a disinfectant to help reduce bacteria that can potentially cause illness. It is packaged in 12 fl oz green plastic bottles with white labels that read in part, “ARUBA ALOE Hand Sanitizer GEL 80% Alcohol Made in Aruba World’s Finest Aloe.”
Aruba Aloe Alcoholada Gel is designed to provide temporary relief from pain and itching associated with minor burns, sunburn, insect bites or minor skin irritations. It is available in 2.2 and 8.5 fl. ounce clear bottles.
The affected batches of Aruba Aloe Hand Sanitizer GEL products are the following:
The batches of Aruba Aloe Alcoholada Gel products affected are the following:
According to the FDA, the products were distributed between 5/1/2021 and 10/27/2023 and sold in the United States online through the Aruba Aloe Balm NV website. The Aruba-based company notifies customers via email that they have purchased the products and offers a discount coupon for a future purchase.
The FDA urges customers to stop using the products and throw them away. The agency also says that customers affected by the product should contact their doctor or healthcare provider.