A growing number of class action complainants allege that 99.99% germ-killing claims on hand sanitizers are false and misleading. The suits cite potentially dangerous microorganisms that, according to plaintiffs, are impervious to active ingredients used in the category, and argue that bacteria reductions do not necessarily translate to illness or infection prevention.

Like other hand sanitizer manufacturers, WillSpeed Technology claims its GermBloc “kills 99.99% of germs.” Plaintiffs in a proposed class action filed in Massachusetts federal court allege the claim “grossly overstates” the product’s efficacy, deceiving consumers and endangering them with false confidence.

Leading chemical firms, beauty and consumer health companies, even distilleries and medical marijuana cultivators are adapting operations to meet global demand for hand sanitizers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, plaintiff’s attorneys are busy with multiple class actions against Purell manufacturer GOJO Industries for alleged false advertising following a January warning letter to the firm from the US FDA.