Unlawful Marketing of Product for School Children

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today sent a warning letter to Procter & Gamble for making unlawful claims about its Vicks Early Defense Foaming Hand Sanitizer (Early Defense) product. The agency says the product’s claims and directions for use cause it to be an unapproved new drug under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It cited specifically Procter & Gamble promotion of Early Defense for use by schoolchildren to prevent colds and to provide antimicrobial activity for up to three hours. Although FDA is not aware of significant health risks associated with Early Defense, the agency is concerned because this product has not been proven safe and effective for these claims.