Make sure it's listed, and you are using it correctly.
The EPA N List…a list in which the EPA expects all products will kill SARS-CoV-2. Not a list of safe products to use on yourself to kill SARS-CoV-2 so lets just get that out of the way. This is a list of products meant to be used on surfaces and should still be kept out of the reach of children. Note as well there are levels of harmfulness that can be associated with these products and most are considered pesticides.
There is though a “Safer Choice Standard” compiling the better choices in this group, and that is perhaps one of the best tools we have found. However, this isn’t a proactive list and products that are already on List N still have to be submitted and it takes time.
In terms of killing SARS-CoV-2 there is a bit more to it than just wipe or spray and go. These products have very specific times (efficacy time or contact time) they must be left WET on the surface first to sanitize and then a bit longer to disinfect. Keep in mind they may not list SARS-CoV-2 specifically, it may be another related virus that they categorize as being similar or more difficult to kill. In that case you are following those instructions with the expectation of killing the virus, and we suggest wiping the surface down with something less evasive after disinfecting.
If you take a jump over to the EPA site, you can find out a lot more about the product and define some of the important abbreviations you might see. Perhaps one of the most important for Foodservice and Hospitality is understanding Food Contact guidelines, and if a surface needs to be rinsed afterwards. Hopefully, it doesn’t need to be said but, don’t use any of them on food.
- Hard Nonporous (HN): Use on hard nonporous surfaces like doorknobs, faucets, light switches, and sealed wood.
- Porous (P): Use on porous surfaces like fabric, cushions, untreated wood.
- Food Contact Surfaces, Post-Rinse Required (FCR): Use on surfaces that touch food like countertops, dishes, and cooking utensils. Do not use on food. Rinse the surface after using this product.
- Food Contact Surfaces, No Rinse (FCNR): Use on surfaces that touch food like countertops, dishes, and cooking utensils. Do not use on food. You do not need to rinse the surface after using this product.
You should be wearing proper protection on your hands when applying many, if not most, of these products. They usually recommend washing you hands right after using them as well.