EPA Cracking Down on Misbranded Coronavirus Treatment Products (Corrected)

The EPA is stepping up enforcement against products making unproven antiviral or disinfectant claims in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently blocked a shipment of allegedly antimicrobial plastic cards from Japan and Hong Kong from entering U.S. ports in Honolulu and Guam. The cards, containing chlorine dioxide and worn on a lanyard around the neck, falsely claimed they provided anti-viral and anti-bacterial protection, the agency said.

“This is the tip of the iceberg,” said Thomas Brugato, special counsel at Covington and Burling LLP who specializes in environmental and pesticide law. “I think we’ll definitely see more ...