Consumers need to watch out for hand sanitizers and disinfectants that claim to be effective against the coronavirus, as they could be fraudulent, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food said this week.
Inspectors with the UDAF have found numerous instances where disinfecting products were mislabeled or the producers made false claims, Henry Nahalewski, pesticide program manager, said in the statement.
Consumers can protect themselves by purchasing products with an Environmental Protection Agency registration number — found on the back label near the manufacturer’s address.
They also can look on the EPA’s List N to select products proven effective against the coronavirus.
Hand soap recall
Bottles of hand wash produced under the Method label — and shipped to Fresh Market stores in Salt Lake City — are being voluntarily recalled.
Specifically, the 12-ounce gel in sea mineral fragrance that was sold in early October are affected, the company stated in a news release.
The notice says a specific lot number contains a naturally occurring bacteria that is commonly found in soil and water. “While this bacterium rarely causes harm to healthy individuals, there is a risk of infection for individuals with a compromised immune system.”
Consumers who purchased the product can go online to methodhsrecovery.com to learn more about disposal and how to receive a refund.
Elderberries also recalled
Organic whole elderberries, sold at Natural Grocers stores in Utah and 19 other states, also are being recalled for the possible presence of salmonella.
To date, the company has received no reports of illness or injury, according to a notice from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, but consumers who may have purchased the product should discard it or return it for a credit or refund.
The recalled product is packaged in clear plastic bags weighing 4 ounces and bearing the “Natural Grocers” label.
Only packages bearing the following pack dates are being recalled at this time: 20-216, 20-225, 20-246, 20-265 and 20-281.
Shot Ski raises $20,000
This year’s virtual Shot Ski fundraiser attracted more than 300 participants and raised $20,000 for the Park City Sunrise Rotary Club. All the proceeds will be donated to community nonprofits.
Misfits is shipping and hiring
Misfits Market — a subscription service that rescues odd-shaped produce — has started shipping to Utah.
The company also is hiring employees for its new fulfillment center, which will open next year in West Jordan. There are positions available in production, quality control, inventory, shipping, receiving sanitation and housekeeping.
Since it launched in 2018, Misfits says it has rescued more than 40 million pounds of fruits and vegetables that might otherwise have gone to waste. All the produce it sells is certified organic and non-GMO.
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