The manufacturer of Purell faces class action allegations that their Healthcare Advanced Hand Sanitizer is falsely marketed as being able to prevent serious diseases such as the flu and the Ebola virus.
“The products are unable to provide the outcomes promised by defendant, but through their representations, cause consumers to defer or forgo taking other concrete measures at preventing disease and illness,” the Purell class action states.
“When consumers use the products as intended, they are lulled into a false sense of security.”
The Purell class action lawsuit is among several complaints sparked by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter.
The FDA’s letter to Gojo Industries orders the company to stop advertising their Purell hand sanitizer with “dangerous marketing.” Based on these advertising claims, the FDA notes Purell is considered an “unapproved new drugs” under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
In the Purell class action lawsuit, the plaintiffs claim that Gojo doubled down on their marketing claims regarding Ebola.
“As of today, we are not aware of any hand sanitizers that have been tested against Ebola viruses, including Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer. However, it is important to note that the Ebola virus is an enveloped virus. Enveloped viruses in general are easily killed or inactivated by alcohol,” the company says in advertising and on their website, according to the plaintiffs.
“World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a preventive measure during this outbreak.”
According to the Purell class action lawsuit, these and other statements are intentionally aimed to mislead consumers by mentioning Ebola.
Ebola is a rare but serious disease which can be fatal. The virus has been the source of several outbreaks in Africa and has gained significant news coverage.
Plaintiffs in the Purell class action claim that product marketing aims to “demonstrate the potency of the Products” by mentioning Ebola.
The plaintiffs argue that consumers may assume that Purell hand sanitizer is effective against diseases less serious than Ebola – including the recent outbreak of the coronavirus.
“Defendant’s claims are harmful and deceptive to consumers because they give the impression that using the Products is sufficient to prevent the above-described diseases and illnesses,” the Purell class action lawsuit claims.
“When consumers believe defendant’s claims, they are less likely to engage in other precautionary and preventive behavior which actually will prevent transmission of these diseases.”
Do you purchase Purell hand sanitizer? Let us know in the comment section below.
The consumers are represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates PC, and Michael R. Reese of Reese LLP.
The Purell Class Action Lawsuit is Magdiela Gonzalez, et al. v. Gojo Industries Inc., Case No. 1:20-cv-00888, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Top Class Actions is a Proud Member of the American Bar Association
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2024 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
770 thoughts onPurell Class Action Says Ebola Prevention Is False Marketing
Wow I use this everyday, between every dental patient i see! Washing my hands and applying this ,because osha recommends this to be the standard for using ppe for my safety. I cant tell you the money iv spent on this product.
Add me. I always use this.
Add me
Yes I use it.
Yes – I use it. Add me.
I’ve been using it for years and still am.
My husband and I both use this regularly. P?ease add my name.
Yes, I purchase purell regularly, please add me.
yes in car at home in my office and have in my purse please add me
YES, I USE THIS EVERYDAY WHEN I NEED TO CLEAN MY HANDS.