The number of illegal biocidal products in circulation in Belgium has increased since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, the Federal Public Health Service said on Thursday.
Some 195 checks have revealed that various disinfectants and hydroalcoholic gels on the market were not authorised for sale and use in Belgium, or that they were used in the fight against the coronavirus without having been approved for that purpose.
A total of 14 official reports were drawn up, and 45 warnings were issued, the FPS states in a press release.
From the end of March to July, the environmental inspectorate monitored online and physical sales of disinfectant detergents and hydroalcoholic gels, and checked whether these products were authorised for sale in Belgium and if their labelling and use complied with the regulations.
Several tonnes of illegal biocidal products were withdrawn from the market.
"In the coming months, the Federal Public Health Service inspectors will continue to check that illegal biocidal products are not on the Belgian market," the federal service stressed.
Only products approved as effective in the fight against the coronavirus can be sold and used for this purpose, with the aim of limiting the risks to health and the environment.
Following the outbreak, 430 temporary authorisations have been granted for certain types of biocides that have proved effective in the fight against the virus.
The full list is available at www.biocide.be.
The Brussels Times
