A major hotel chain in Australia has been forced to recall a brand of hand sanitiser after a guest was hospitalised with acute methanol poisoning from ingesting the product. The incident has prompted urgent warnings from health authorities and the national consumer watchdog.
Product Recall Following Hospitalisation
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall for Dr Schwartz Hand Sanitiser on Wednesday. This action was triggered after Queensland health authorities confirmed an adult was treated in hospital after consuming the product while staying at the Paradise Resort on the Gold Coast.
The individual, who has since been discharged, suffered poisoning due to a high concentration of methanol identified in the sanitiser. Methanol is highly toxic if ingested and can cause serious, irreversible injury or even death.
David Brook, the hotel's general manager, stated the recall followed an incident where "one guest inappropriately consumed two bottles of the sanitiser, causing a medical reaction."
Timeline and Scope of the Recall
The affected sanitiser was supplied to guests at the Paradise Resort between 31 August 2020 and 6 January 2024. The recalled items include:
- 60ml bottles provided complimentary to guests.
- 200ml bottles that were available for purchase.
The ACCC confirmed the product was imported from India by the Schwartz Family Co., the owner of the hotel and Australia's largest privately owned hotel group. The group's portfolio includes well-known brands such as Sofitel, Rydges, Ibis, Mercure, and Hilton.
New South Wales Health echoed the recall notice, emphasising that while skin exposure is unlikely to cause significant harm, ingestion is extremely dangerous.
Public Health Warnings and Disposal Advice
Authorities have issued a stern reminder to the public that hand sanitiser is for external use only. "It is dangerous to drink or ingest hand sanitiser," a Queensland Health spokesperson stressed.
Anyone in possession of the recalled Dr Schwartz Hand Sanitiser should:
- Stop using it immediately.
- Dispose of it safely.
Disposal guidelines vary by location. Residents in New South Wales can place it in general waste, while people in other states and territories should consult their local council or environment agency for correct disposal methods.
As of Thursday afternoon, no further hospital admissions related to the product had been reported in Queensland. The Schwartz Family Co. has declined to comment further beyond the initial statement from the hotel manager.
