blog #38
Australian Distillery Recalls Product Mislabeled Gin Bottles Filled with Hand Sanitizer
An urgent recall is being issued after an Australian distillery sold 9 mislabeled gin bottles filled with hand sanitizer. The Apollo Bay Distillery and the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse recently produced hand sanitizer to assist in the global hand sanitizer shortage caused by the pandemic. The bottle used for the hand sanitizer is the same bottle used for gin with a similar label. The effected SS Casino Gin was sold in 700 mL bottles at Great Ocean Road Brewhouse in Victoria, Australia (Tastes of the Region). The company believes 9 bottles of mislabeled hand sanitizer were purchased from June 5, 2020, after 5pm to June 7, 2020, until 7:30pm. The hand sanitizer is not toxic and was made in accordance with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) local production of hand sanitizer guide, made of 80% ABV ethanol, and 1.45% glycerol, and 0.125% hydrogen peroxide. The effected bottles are not properly sealed and can be identified by their lack of shrink wrap seal, as compared to the typical gin bottles. Six of the bottles were recovered as of June 9, 2020. One person reported illness due to consuming the hand sanitizer, reporting symptoms of nausea and a headache. Though the product is nontoxic, consuming the hand sanitizer may result in symptoms of bloating, dizziness, headaches, thirst, and typical food poisoning symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. People should not consume the hand sanitizer and should report any symptoms to their physician if they believe they have ingested the hand sanitizer. Those who believe they have the effected product should report it to Apollo Bay Distillery by calling 03 5237 7165 or by emailing [email protected]. Effected bottles can be returned for a full refund and replacement product at the place of purchase or online at www.apollobaydistillery.com.au.
