13% of the hydro-alcoholic gels analyzed by the DGCCRF proved to be ineffective in the fight against winter viruses (Covid-19, flu, gastro, etc.).
- 21 products (13% of the products analysed) presented an insufficient alcohol content and therefore proved to be ineffective in the fight against Covid-19 and other winter viruses.
- If in doubt, it is better to wash your hands with soap and water before preparing meals, eating, taking care of a baby or an elderly person and cleaning a wound.
The General Directorate for Competition and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) evaluated the effectiveness against viruses of hydro-alcoholic gels sold in shops or pharmacies, and the results are not good.
Hydro-alcoholic gels must contain at least 60% alcohol
As of November 12, 2020, more than 180 targeted samples of hydro-alcoholic solutions and gels have been taken, of which 162 have already been analyzed by the laboratories. Conclusion: 73% of the products analyzed to date have been declared either non-compliant (38%) or non-compliant and dangerous (35%).
“To be effective against the coronavirus, hydro-alcoholic gels must contain at least 60% alcohol. We found that a few products sampled did not contain enough alcohol”, explains on France Info Romain Roussel, chief of staff of the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF).
More specifically, 21 products (13% of the products analysed) presented an insufficient alcohol content and therefore proved to be ineffective in the fight against Covid-19 and other winter viruses. 36 products (22% of the products analysed), 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 labelling.
Better to wash your hands with soap and water
Products identified as non-compliant or dangerous are subject to withdrawal and/or recall measures. However, if in doubt, it is better to wash your hands with soap and water before preparing a meal, eating, taking care of a baby or an elderly person and cleaning a wound. This barrier gesture must also be done after coughing, blowing your nose, going to the toilet, opening a door, touching shared objects (computers, telephones, etc.) or petting an animal.
For it to be effective, you must wash your hands with soap, passing through the palm, the back of the hand, the fingers and their interstices, and making the washing last for at least 30 seconds. You must then rinse your hands with clear water and if possible lukewarm, and finally dry them with a clean towel or single-use paper (avoid dry hands in particular).
If infectious agents are everywhere, hands and nails transmit 80% of microbes and viruses (flu, coronavirus, etc.), because we bring them mechanically to the mouth.
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