Some Hypochlorous Acid Water Sterilizers and Disinfectants 'Below Standards'... Inappropriate Advertising Also Found

Korea Consumer Agency, Survey Results on 20 Products

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Recently, the use of disinfectants and sterilizers containing hypochlorous acid water has been increasing, but an investigation revealed that some products do not meet quality standards and regulations or use labeling and advertising phrases that may mislead consumers.

On the 23rd, the Korea Consumer Agency announced the results of an investigation into the quality and labeling/advertising practices of 20 hypochlorous acid water disinfectant products sold on the market. Hypochlorous acid water is an aqueous solution containing hypochlorous acid as an active ingredient, obtained by electrolyzing hydrochloric acid or saline. It has a sterilizing effect on pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Test results showed that one product was labeled as strongly acidic hypochlorous acid water, but its available chlorine content was 3 ppm, below the standard (20?60 ppm). Nine products exceeded the appropriate pH range specified according to acidity (strongly acidic, weakly acidic, mildly acidic). Among 11 products that displayed or advertised available chlorine content, four had actual contents different from the labeled or advertised amounts.

Furthermore, disinfectants and sterilizers must be labeled and advertised according to approved uses such as for food or utensils, but 13 products were labeled or advertised differently from their approved uses, raising concerns about consumer misunderstanding. For example, hypochlorous acid water cannot be used for sterilizing products for children under 13 years old, but nine products were incorrectly labeled or advertised for sterilizing children's products.

Six products were not approved as food disinfectants, and four products were not approved as disinfectants or sterilizers for utensils, yet they were labeled or advertised as usable for those purposes. Hypochlorous acid water cannot be used as a hand sanitizer, but one product was advertised in a way that could be mistaken for hand sanitizer use. Separately, 12 products used phrases such as "eco-friendly" and "non-toxic," which are prohibited by law for disinfectants and sterilizers, violating related standards.

Based on the investigation results, the Korea Consumer Agency plans to request the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Ministry of Environment to strengthen management and supervision of hypochlorous acid water disinfectants and sterilizers. Consumers are advised to purchase products strictly according to their intended use and to recognize that disinfectants and sterilizers cannot be "non-toxic" or "environmentally friendly," and to be careful to avoid contact with the body when using them.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.