ViraPro has been recalled due to health concerns.

Now a Cork company has offered to replace the stocks of the hand sanitiser used in many local schools after the Department of Agriculture discovered that it “may cause dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory system irritation and headaches”.

Cork hand sanitiser manufacturer Mervue Laboratories, which supplies ‘GelGuard’ to the HSE, has offered to donate 2000 500ml bottles to schools in the Cork area today who will otherwise be forced to close because of the recall of ViraPro Hand Sanitiser.

Mervue Laboratories, in partnership with Irish Distillers, were the first in Ireland to ensure that the HSE had supplies in early March. The privately-owned company is now manufacturing over 40,000 units of Gelguard hand gel per day and is the primary supplier to the HSE, Defence forces, Tusla and the Department of Welfare, among other organisations.

According to Mervue, Gelguard is fully compliant with health standards. In fact, every batch is tested by an independent laboratory to ensure it is within tolerance.

Mervue has made emergency packs available from their site in Watergrasshill and they can also arrange delivery by taxi. Email info@mervuelab.com to arrange a drop for your school.