• The Wall Street Journal, Wednesday, September 19, 2007 12 PM

The Food and Drug Administration says that Procter & Gamble is making unlawful marketing claims about Vicks Early Defense Foaming Hand Sanitizer, which launched last month. The Vicks Web site promotes the sanitizer for use by schoolchildren to prevent colds and to provide protection from germs for up to three hours.

The FDA also asserts in a Sept. 14 warning letter that the active ingredient in the sanitizer, triclosan, needs to be rinsed off rather than allowed to dry on hands, as stated by the product's instructions. David Bernens, a Procter & Gamble spokesman, says the company would work with the FDA to "clear up any misunderstandings," but believes it is properly marketing the hand sanitizer.

Bernens took exception to the FDA claim that the product was being marketed to children, despite the Vicks Web site offering tips to mothers on creating a "Germ-Free Zone," including a contest to win a "Germ-Fighting Fest at your school, featuring food, prizes, and Vicks Early Defense Foaming Hand Sanitizer product samples.

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