LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Federal authorities said today that inspectors have prevented a “significant” number of shipments of illegal health products related to the coronavirus pandemic from entering the country via Los Angeles and San Francisco.
“These products, such as the item `Virus Shut Out,' are not registered with the (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) and are being halted under federal pesticide laws,” according to a joint statement issued by the EPA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“The safety and efficacy of these items against viruses have not been evaluated. In addition; their labeling -- including directions for use -- are not provided in the English language as required by law; and online advertising materials contain misleading claims about their safety and effectiveness,” the statement said.
The illegal products are being imported from Japan and Hong Kong through International Mail Facilities in Los Angeles and San Francisco, authorities said. To date, more than 7,800 illegal products have been seized.
“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 Americans from the coronavirus.”
EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud said it's “critical that people only use EPA-registered disinfectants and follow label directions for proper use. EPA will not tolerate companies selling illegal disinfectants and making false or misleading public health claims during this pandemic crisis."
The most up-to-date list of EPA-registered disinfectant products can be found online at https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n- disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2.
For more information on EPA resources on COVID-19 and on pesticides, visit https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus and http://www.epa.gov/pesticides, respectively.
Photo: EPA