Some hydroalcoholic gels, sold in particular in pharmacies, contain less than 60% alcohol. Which is ineffective against the coronavirus.
The repression of fraud does not laugh on the quality of virucidal solutions. According to a survey conducted by the Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), some hydroalcoholic gels lack alcohol content, an obligation in the fight against the virus. "To be effective against the coronavirus, hydroalcoholic gels must contain at least 60% alcohol. We found that some of the products collected did not contain enough alcohol. This is why we had these products classified as non-compliant. and dangerous. This was particularly the case for 13% of the products analyzed ", Romain Roussel, director of cabinet of DGCCRF, explained to franceinfo. Already, on November 5, the DGCCRF had alerted consumers via a message on Twitter.
A sampling and control plan
Until November 12, 2020, 180 targeted samples have been taken and 162 of them have been analyzed. The results: 73% of the gels analyzed were declared at 38% non-compliant and 35% non-compliant and dangerous. "21 products (13% of the products analyzed) showed an insufficient alcohol content and were therefore found to be non-compliant and dangerous. 36 products (22% of the products analyzed), for which the alcohol content was sufficient, were also declared non-compliant and dangerous due to labeling minimizing the dangers presented by these products (mainly the danger of their flammability) and 61 products (38%) were recognized as non-compliant due to incomplete or incorrect labeling ", announces the press release of the DGCCRF. These non-compliant or dangerous products "are subject to appropriate action, including withdrawal and / or recall measures."
Choosing the right hydroalcoholic gel
As the DGCCRF reminds us, "only hydroalcoholic solutions or gels having an alcohol content (ethanol, propan-1-ol or propan-2-ol), expressed by volume, of at least 60% or meeting standard EN 144766 are effective in terms of disinfection."
Likewise, on the product label the name of the alcohol used as well as its concentration must be specified. And the EN 14476 standard must also be mentioned. If you are in doubt, do not hesitate to seek advice from your merchant to confirm whether the virucidal effect is proven.
Remember that hydroalcoholic gels are chemicals with active substances intended to destroy viruses and bacteria. They must therefore be used with certain precautions to avoid any danger. Alcohol is flammable, so be careful.
Our selection of hydroalcoholic gels:
MERCUROCHROME Hydro-Alcoholic Gel
STERIPAN – Steripan Antibacterial Gel for Hands
Sanytol Hand Gel Disinfectant Sensitive Skin