FDA Orders Purell To Stop Claiming Its Hand Sanitizer “Eliminates Diseases”

By John Vibes / Truth Theory

At a time where people all over the world are more concerned about germs than ever, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent a strict warning to GoJo, the company that produces Purell products, accusing the company of making false claims about its hand sanitizer eliminating diseases.

In a letter issued the week, the FDA ordered the company to stop posting claims that its hand sanitizer reduces the risk of contracting illnesses like Ebola, norovirus, influenza and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

The letter stated that, “We are not aware of evidence demonstrating that the Purell Healthcare Advanced Hand Sanitizer products as formulated and labeled are generally recognized by qualified experts as safe and effective for use under the conditions suggested, recommended, or prescribed in their labeling.” 

The company doesn’t seem to be disputing the accusations and has agreed to update its marketing.

Samantha Williams, corporate communications senior director of GoJo said that the company took immediate action after receiving the letter and “have begun updating relevant website and other digital content as directed by the FDA.”

“It is important to emphasize that the FDA letter was not related to the safety or quality of our products, or our manufacturing processes. Our products can and should continue to be used as part of good hand hygiene practice, to reduce germs. Our intention has always been and continues to be to adhere to FDA guidance while advancing and sharing the latest hygiene science to help improve public health. Uncompromising Integrity is a core value of our Purpose-driven Family Enterprise and we apply this principle to everything we do,” Williams said in a statement.

Some of the primary claims that the FDA took issue with were that Purell products eliminate, “more than 99.99% of most common germs that may cause illness in a healthcare setting, including MRSA & VRE.”

Studies show that alcohol-based sanitizers like Purell do help to eliminate germs, but not to the level that companies like Gojo have claimed in the past.

IMAGE CREDIT1: Mike Mozart/Flickr

IMAGE CREDIT2: Wikimedia

Written by: John Vibes

John Vibes is an author and journalist who takes a special interest in the counter culture, and focuses solutions-oriented approaches to social problems. He is also a host of The Free Your Mind Conference and The Free Thought Project Podcast. Read More stories by John Vibes