On October 10, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released interim guidance aimed at expanding the labeling of antimicrobial products, allowing sanitizers to include claims of effectiveness against viruses. This guidance applies to products like household wipes and sprays registered with sanitizing claims. If laboratory data demonstrates their efficacy in meeting EPA’s established criteria for virucidal claims, these sanitizers can now add virus-killing claims to their labels.

Key Updates

Historically, the EPA differentiated antimicrobial products based on their target microorganisms and efficacy levels. Disinfectants, which often have higher active ingredient concentrations, were tested for both bacteria and viruses, while sanitizers were primarily registered to combat bacteria with lower active ingredient levels. Under the new interim guidance, sanitizers that meet the testing criteria for virus efficacy can now claim effectiveness against viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 on their labels.

The policy is expected to increase the availability of virus-effective products, offering a wider selection of lower-active ingredient options for use in homes, schools, and retail settings. However, it is important to note that these sanitizers are not intended for healthcare environments, where higher standards of efficacy are required.

The EPA will evaluate the effectiveness of this interim guidance over a 10-year pilot period and is accepting public comments on its implementation.

Source: EPA