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Although we commonly talk about 'disinfectant validation,' the US Food and Drug Administration validates only processes (1). Disinfectants themselves are qualified--that is, found to be effective in the context of [...]

Manufacturers of disinfectants want to change the regulation that labels their products as pesticides. Companies have found it difficult to introduce new disinfectant products because the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act results in long delays in the registry of products. A coalition of industry groups, which include the Chemical Manufacturers Association and the Soap & Detergent Association, have drafted legislation that would alleviate some of the regulatory problems.

I recently attended a meeting with several members of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. During our discussions of cleanroom decontamination, it quickly became apparent that the subject of [...]

The disinfectants industry is changing because the development of new disinfectants is a long and costly endeavor due to complicated registration rules. For example, instead of developing new actives, marketers are now depending on raw material suppliers to provide already registered disinfectant ingredients. Manufacturers note that states are increasing registration fees and that the Environmental Protection Agency is increasing enforcement efforts. Disinfectant companies are also lessening their impact on the environment and improving their product packaging.

The preparation of an efficacy data for the registration of disinfectant products under the Biocidal Products Directive of the European Union is discussed. Ways to review the suitability of the data are suggested.

The European Union's (EU) ministers are opposing efforts to relax the existing ban on the use of disinfecting chemicals to treat poultrymeat. European farmers' unions COPA and COGECA also advised the EU not to authorize the use of these chemicals 'to please the United States'. The debates concerning food security are also discussed.

A new EC directive controlling disinfectant products will begin to bite over the next few years. Food processors are big users of disinfectants for cleaning plant and equipment, so how [...]

Production of methyl bromide will be pegged at 1991 levels, pending its total phase-out by Jan. 1, 2001. However, fumigant producers and legislators agree that the preset deadline for the phase-out is unrealistic and unfair. They noted that international production of the fumigant will only start to decline after 2001. Some observers believe that Congress will undertake measures to extend the planned phase-out deadline to 2010 to reflect market realities. Meanwhile, grain and feed manufacturers seem less interested in the debate over the phase-out schedule since they have found adequate substitutes for the chemical.

Legislation concerning the placing of biocides on the EU market (Council Directive 98/8/EC) will have an impact on the selection of disinfectants available to food processors, reports the Campden & [...]