Aruba Aloe Balm N.V., of Oranjestad, Aruba, has recalled 40 lots of its Aruba Aloe Hand Sanitizer Gel Alcohol 80% and Aruba Aloe Alcoholada Gel because of the presence of alcohol that has been denatured with methanol, reports the FDA.
Consumers who are exposed to methanol at a significant level may suffer a range of symptoms that include “nausea, vomiting, headache[,] blurred vision, coma, seizures, permanent blindness, permanent damage to the central nervous system, or death.” While regular use of the affected products through hand contact puts all individuals at risk, those most likely to suffer methanol poisoning are young children who ingest the products by accident, and adults who choose to consume the products as a substitute for alcohol (ethanol).
Developed as a sanitizer that decreases bacteria and that therefore helps mitigates risk of disease, Aruba Aloe Hand Sanitizer Gel comes in a 12-fluid ounce (355 mL), dark-green plastic bottle bearing a white label with the words “ARUBA ALOE Hand Sanitizer GEL 80% Alcohol Made in Aruba World’s Finest Aloe,” along with barcode 0 82252 03300 5, prominently placed.
Used for short-term relief from pain and itching often connected to “minor burns, sunburns, insect bites, or minor skin irritations,” the Aruba Aloe Alcoholada Gel comes in transparent plastic bottles bearing a label with the words “Alcoholada Gel Pain Relieving Gel 0.5% Lidocaine Hydrochloride” prominently placed. The product is available in two sizes:
- 2.2 fl oz (65 mL) plastic bottles bearing barcode 0 82252 34030 1
- 8.5 fl oz (251 mL) plastic bottles bearing barcode 0 82252 03120 9
A complete list of all impacted lot numbers and their corresponding expiration dates for both products can be referenced in the FDA announcement.
The products were distributed and made available for purchase online across the U.S., through the Aruba Aloe Balm N.V. website, from May 1, 2021 to October 27, 2023.
Since the announcement, all Aruba Aloe Balm N.V. customers have been alerted of the recall by email and have received discount coupons for their next purchase.
At the time of the voluntary recall letter, dated April 5, 2024, Aruba Aloe Balm N.V. has not received any reports of adverse incidents in connection to the problem. However, anyone who has purchased an affected product is asked to cease all use of the item and have it safely discarded.
Further questions about the recall may be directed to Aruba Aloe Balm N.V. via email at recall@arubaaloe.com. Those believed to be experiencing problems related to the product are urged to contact their healthcare provider.
As the FDA continues to monitor this recall, consumers are asked to report any adverse reactions or quality issues to the agency’s MedWatch program.
If you or a loved one has suffered an adverse health outcome as a result of methanol poisoning connected to a compromised medical drug, we would like to learn about your case and help you fight for fair compensation. After a traumatic medical event, your family deserves the best possible outcome, and our compassionate team at TruLaw are prepared to help you hold the responsible party accountable. To learn more about how we can support you in the next steps, contact us online or take our free Instant Case Evaluation ℠.