Anti-HFMD and flu spray claim not proven, says Health DG

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has received complaints about an anti-hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and influenza spray that purportedly "kills 99% of the viruses".

The product called Thymos, which is meant for external use by spraying on cloths, surfaces, toys and masks, is made from activated minerals.

The manufacturer has claimed on its product label that it could kill 99.99% of the viruses immediately, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

"As of now, the company has made baseless anti-HFMD claims, because there is no strong evidence showing that the product is as effective as claimed," he said in a statement issued on Wednesday (Aug 8).

However, since the product is not used directly on humans, it does not fall under the purview of the ministry, nor does it require to be registered with the ministry, he said.

Dr Noor Hisham said that the company has been advised to remove the anti-HFMD/Flu claim for the Malaysian market and to replace it with a more general claim to prevent any further confusion.

"The ministry would like to remind the public not to easily believe the medical claims made by this product," he said.

Instead, they are advised to practise good hygiene, hand washing, screening at nurseries and kindergartens, ensure clean surroundings and disinfect contaminated surfaces, he said.