Inside Politics

Sanitizer claims under scrutiny

Federal health regulators have issued warnings to four manufacturers of hand sanitizing products for making unsupported claims about the bacteria-fighting benefits of their products.

The Food and Drug Administration says the companies claim their lotions and gels can prevent a variety of infections, including E. coli and bird flu. Companies that claim their products can prevent a disease must submit scientific studies to the FDA before marketing them.

The FDA sent warning letters to four companies: Tec Laboratories, JD Nelson and Associates, Dr. G.H. Tichener Antiseptic Co. and Oh So Clean Inc.

The warning letters order each company to correct the unsupported claims within 15 days.

“The FDA cannot allow companies to mislead consumers by making unproven prevention claims,” said FDA compliance director Deborah Autor, in a statement.

WISCONSIN

Court challenger will seek recount

MADISON | Refusing to concede defeat, state Supreme Court challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg asked election officials Wednesday for a statewide recount in her flagging upset bid against Justice David Prosser.

Final county tallies compiled last week showed Justice Prosser held a 7,316-vote lead over the little-known state attorney. The margin is within one-half of 1 percent of the total votes cast, entitling Miss Kloppenburg to a statewide recount at local governments’ expense.

The Government Accountability Board confirmed in a statement Wednesday that it is moving forward with a statewide recount at Miss Kloppenburg’s request.

Judge Prosser’s campaign pressured her not to seek a recount, saying there was no way she would find 7,000 votes and a recount would be costly for taxpayers.

State elections officials said the recount could begin as early as next week, barring any court challenges.

WHITE HOUSE

Disclosures mulled for contractors

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