FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 20, 2020

Contact: Leslie Lake, 571-378-6757, [email protected]

ARLINGTON, Va. — On a conference call today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Consumer Brands Association and members of the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry took a critical step in protecting consumers by establishing expedited processes to help ensure continued manufacturing and accurate information reaches the public about the household cleaning and sanitizing products that Americans and frontline service providers are relying on to protect their families and neighbors from the coronavirus.

“Today’s call was extremely productive and demonstrates the importance of public and private sector collaboration, not only in times of great stress, but every day,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Our collaboration is critical to slowing the spread of this virus, keeping us safe and healthy. By expediting reviews – both in labeling familiar products, and by approving new products for market – we’re aiding American families and communities across America.”

“We appreciate all that Administrator Wheeler and the EPA are doing to help our industry keep manufacturing life-saving products,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO, Consumer Brands Association. “From disinfectants to hand sanitizers and soap, our companies are doing their best to operate at full capacity. We commend the EPA for its commitment to preventing supply chain disruptions and getting these products in the hands of Americans when they need them most.”

The EPA and Consumer Brands will work together to advance the following policies to increase production and keep supply chains moving:

• Establish a new, accelerated process to approve supplier and manufacturing plant changes to prevent supply chain disruptions.
• Prioritize and expedite product claims so that consumers know what products prevent COVID-19.
• Expedite the clearance process for disinfectant products made outside the United States.

Americans are stocking up on items to prevent the coronavirus and in a recent survey, Consumer Brands found that among the top products Americans reported buying are hand soap (59%), cleaning supplies (56%) and hand sanitizer (49%).

“As an industry that interacts daily with every American, we will continue to advocate for steps that allow our companies to meet the health and safety needs of consumers in this unprecedented time,” said Freeman.

###

The Consumer Brands Association champions the industry whose products Americans depend on every day, representing more than 1,700 iconic brands. From household and personal care to food and beverage products, the consumer packaged goods industry plays a vital role in powering the U.S. economy, contributing $2 trillion to U.S. GDP and supporting more than 20 million American jobs.