MISLEADING: Hand sanitizers for general use are deemed regular products and cannot claim medical efficacy, such as the ability to sterilize, the Consumers’ Foundation said

Taipei Times
Date: Jun 16, 2020
By: Sherry Hsiao / Staff reporter

The Consumers’ Foundation yesterday urged consumers to select antibacterial hand sanitizers that have been approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, saying that claims of antibacterial benefits made by some products online might be in contravention of labeling or permit requirements.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, advertisements promoting products claimed to have “antibacterial” or “sterilizing” effects have become commonplace, the foundation said.

However, not only could hand sanitizing products making such claims potentially be in contravention of regulations on the advertising of medical efficacy, but whether they can really kill bacteria is also questionable, it said.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hand sanitizers containing alcohol that are used for medical purposes, such as disinfection before surgery, are regulated as drugs, while those used for general cleaning of the hands or skin are regarded as regular products and cannot claim medical efficacy, such as the ability to sterilize or disinfect, the foundation said.    [FULL  STORY]