U.S. FDA cuts the number of China mask makers approved for N95 masks: report

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cut the number of mask makers in China that are approved to make N95-type masks for U.S. health-care workers to 14 from 80, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, citing an interview with an unnamed FDA official. The move comes after state officials and the regulator found many imported N95 masks did not meet U.S. standards. In some cases, tests found 60% of 67 different kinds of imported masks allowed in more tiny particles in at least one sample than the U.S. standards allow. One Chinese company's masks filtered out only 24% to 35% of particles, below the 95% threshold that gives the masks their name. Today's move reverses a decision made on April 3 that approved all 80 manufacturers. Separately, the FDA said it has issued 42 warning letters to companies for making "bogus COVID-19 claims" including one to a seller of "fraudulent chlorine dioxide products, equivalent to industrial bleach, frequently referred to as "Miracle Mineral Solution" or "MMS", as a treatment for COVID-19." The Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission have also been cracking down on false claims regarding products relating to the virus.

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