The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned GOJO Industries, Purell's parent company, to stop false marketing claims that over-the-counter hand sanitizer can prevent Ebola, flu, MRSA, VRE, norovirus, and Candida Auris.
Purell products with questionable marketing include Purell advanced hand sanitizer gentle & free foam, Purell advanced hand sanitizer gel and Purell advanced hand sanitizer gentle and free foam ES6 starter kit. The false claims are particularly concerning given that these products are sold in facilities frequented by people and children.
Purell went as far as claiming that its products are effective in reducing diseases that result in student and teacher absenteeism.
"FDA is currently not aware of any adequate and well-controlled studies demonstrating that killing or decreasing the number of bacteria or viruses on the skin by a certain magnitude produces a corresponding clinical reduction in infection or disease caused by such bacteria or virus," FDA director of Compliance Nicholas Lyon says in the letter.
GOJO responded to the letter, assuring FDA that it has taken immediate action to respond appropriately. In its defense, the company highlighted that the FDA's warning only called out the company for its misleading marketing claims and not the safety and quality of its Purell products. The company added that the FDA is not questioning how GOJO manufactures Purell hand sanitizers.
GOJO said it is now in the process of updating all related information across its website, digital content, and places of publications. Moving forward, GOJO promised to prevent similar instances from happening.
The global hand sanitizer market is believed to be worth $919 million in 2016. Estimates suggest the market could grow to a billion market by 2023.
Meanwhile, the FDA warning against Purell's false claims was made in light of the growing panic over the coronavirus outbreak, though Purell did not include it in its marketing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reiterated that there is no vaccine to prevent the new coronavirus. The only way to avoid infection just like with any respiratory viruses is to avoid exposure through proper and frequent washing of hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should only be used as an alternative if the soap is not available.
CDC also advised against touching eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands. For those who feel sick, staying home could help contain the spread of the virus. Ensure that objects and surfaces are cleaned and disinfected. Sick people should cover mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing.
