U.S. EPA And CBP Act To Protect The Public from Unregistered “Virus Shut Out” Product

U.S. EPA And CBP Act To Protect The Public from Unregistered “Virus Shut Out” Product

“EPA takes our responsibility to protect Americans from fraudulent products seriously,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “EPA is increasing the number of approved disinfectants on the market while taking action to prevent dishonest actors from selling fraudulent and illegal items that do nothing to protect American’s from the coronavirus.”

“It is critical that people only use EPA-registered disinfectants and follow label directions for proper use,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. “EPA will not tolerate companies selling illegal disinfectants and making false or misleading public health claims during this pandemic crisis.”

“As America’s frontline CBP is committed to work collaboratively with our EPA partners to detect, intercept and prevent the introduction of unsafe products that could potentially harm the U.S. consumer,” said CBP’s Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles Carlos C. Martel. “By combining their expertise, training and risk-assessment skills, CBP officers remain vigilant facilitating lawful trade and preventing illicit products to enter the commerce of the U.S.”

“In the midst of this worldwide emergency, there are still those that would seek to take advantage by making false claims, scamming, and selling inferior products,” said CBP’s San Francisco Director of Field Operations Brian J. Humphrey.  “CBP’s primary goal is to protect the American public, and we will not allow unauthorized products such as these to enter the country.”

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, products that claim to kill or repel bacteria or germs are considered pesticides and must be registered with the EPA prior to distribution or sale. Public health claims can only be made regarding products that have been properly tested and are registered with the EPA. The agency will not register a pesticide until it has been determined that it will not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to the label directions. Products not registered by EPA can be harmful to human health, cause adverse effects, and may not be effective against the spread of germs.

                                   

Caption: Packaging showing the front and back of the Virus Shut Out product.

EPA has released an expanded list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The list contains over 370 additional products—including products that went through the expedited review process for emerging viral pathogens.

To view the most up-to-date list of EPA-registered disinfectant products, visit: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2