"The EPA is modifying one of its rules to increase the supply of products to clean food-contact surfaces due to disinfectant shortages during the coronavirus crisis.

The temporary changes target sanitizers containing isopropyl alcohol, the primary ingredient in rubbing alcohol, and a widely used disinfectant within pharmaceutics, hospitals, and electronics manufacturing, the Environmental Protection Agency said Friday.

The agency said it amended the rule based on feedback from the food manufacturing and preparation industries. Those industries told the agency they’re struggling to find enough sanitizers to use while processing low-moisture products like cereal, flour, and industrial baked goods.

The move follows some of the supply change flexibility the EPA offered in a temporary amendment last month that allowed disinfectant producers to make certain changes to their formulations and manufacturing facilities without waiting for EPA approval."

Adam Allington reports for Bloomberg Environment May 15, 2020. [2]