Hand Sanitizer Benzene False-Ad Claims Barred, Artnaturals Says

Federal law blocks a proposed class suit over hand sanitizers that allegedly contained benzene at levels far exceeding an emergency interim limit enacted because of additional demand created by the Covid-19 pandemic, manufacturer Artnaturals Inc. says in a federal court filing.

Lauren Slaughter alleges Virgin Scent Inc., which does business as Artnaturals, deceptively touts its products as “chemical free” and represents that it uses “only nourishing, natural ingredients.”

Until early March 2020, the Food and Drug Administration didn’t allow any benzene in hand sanitizer products because of its carcinogenic and reproductive toxicity potential, the suit says.

The FDA regulates hand ...