Class I Recall for Hand Sanitizer that Resembles Water Bottles

PNHC, LLC, is voluntarily recalling 139,806 bottles of Heal the World hand sanitizer distributed to retailers in Florida and California. According to the May 12, 2021, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Enforcement Report, the hand sanitizer is packaged in containers resembling water bottles. The FDA has designated the recall Class I, which communicates that use of the affected product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

A March 16, 2021, company announcement specifically warns that ingesting the product could result in alcohol toxicity, impairment during driving or operating heavy machinery, interactions with other drugs, and interference with alcohol abstinence in people with alcohol addiction. 

“To date, PNHC, LLC, d/b/a Heal the World, has received no reports of adverse reactions and no complaints have been received,” the announcement stated. 

The recall affects Heal the World hand sanitizer in 9.6-fluid-ounce containers (UPC 6 19988 44038 0) from lots SAA21, SAA24, SAA27, SAA22, SAA23, SAA29, SAA26, SAA28, SAA25, SAA32, SAA55, SAA56, SAA44, and SAA60 (Exp. 5/22).   

PNHC, LLC, initiated the recall March 10, 2021. On April 30, 2021, the FDA issued its Class I designation.

Heal the World hand sanitizer is intended to be applied topically, when soap and water are not available, to help reduce bacteria on skin that could cause disease. 

—Jolynn Tumolo