The recent recall of Aruba Aloe-branded Hand Sanitizer and Alcoholada Gel has raised concerns over the safety of these products, as they were found to contain “alcohol denatured with methanol,” according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This voluntary recall, initiated by Aruba Aloe, covers products sold between May 2021 and October 2023, prompting consumers to take immediate action if they have purchased these items.
Methanol exposure carries significant health risks, ranging from nausea and vomiting to more severe consequences such as coma, blurred vision, seizures, permanent blindness, central nervous system damage, or even death. While young children who inadvertently ingest the products or adults who use them as a substitute for ethanol alcohol are at heightened risk, the FDA emphasizes that all individuals using these products on their hands are potentially at risk.
The affected products include specific hand sanitizers and aloe vera gels manufactured by Aruba Aloe Balm N.V. The hand sanitizer is labeled as “ARUBA ALOE Hand Sanitizer GEL 80% Alcohol Made in Aruba World’s Finest Aloe,” with a corresponding barcode of 0 82252 03300 5. Similarly, the affected aloe gel is labeled as “Alcoholada Gel Pain Relieving Gel 0.5% Lidocaine Hydrochloride” and was sold in two sizes: 2.2 fluid oz plastic bottles with barcode 0 82252 34030 1 and 8.5 fluid oz plastic bottles with barcode 0 82252 03120 9. Consumers are encouraged to review the FDA’s official recall notice for detailed information on lot numbers and expiration dates of the affected products.
In response to the recall, consumers who have purchased the recalled Aruba Aloe products are strongly urged to discontinue use immediately and dispose of them accordingly. Aruba Aloe Balm N.V. has notified customers via email and provided a discount coupon for future purchases. Additionally, consumers with inquiries regarding the recall can reach out to Aruba Aloe Balm N.V. via email at recall@arubaaloe.com. It is crucial for individuals experiencing adverse side effects after using the affected products to seek prompt medical attention from their healthcare provider.
Filing a Methanol Coma Lawsuit
In instances where individuals have suffered harm or injury as a result of using these recalled products, they may have grounds to file a lawsuit seeking damages through a product liability claim. Victims of such injuries may be entitled to pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related losses incurred due to the adverse health effects caused by the contaminated hand sanitizers and aloe gels.
Navigating the legal process of filing a product liability lawsuit involves several essential steps, each requiring the expertise of skilled attorneys specializing in this area of law. Victims must gather evidence demonstrating the product’s defectiveness and the resulting harm, such as medical records documenting adverse reactions. Initiating legal proceedings involves filing a complaint in the appropriate court jurisdiction, a process best handled by our knowledgeable attorneys experienced in product liability cases.
Throughout the lawsuit process, competent legal representation is indispensable. Attorneys experienced in product liability law can provide invaluable assistance at every stage, ensuring that victims’ rights are protected and pursued vigorously to secure just compensation for their losses. By seeking legal recourse, victims can hold negligent manufacturers accountable while obtaining the financial resources needed to recover and rebuild their lives.