This document describes the updated draft testing protocol recommended by the EPA to support the registration of copper-containing surface products (such as door knobs, or other items that are not intended for food contact) that bear sanitizer claims. Based on public comments, numerous changes have been made to the draft, including changes to the test microbes, culture preparation, quality control process, and product characterization. The updated draft protocol highlights the following:
- Abrasion and Chemical Exposure Process Overview
- Test Methodology
- Product Characterization
- Product Labeling
EPA has initiated an external peer review of the updated draft protocol. Following completion of the external peer review, the Agency will evaluate the findings and revise the draft as appropriate prior to posting the final protocol.
You may need a PDF reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA’s About PDF page to learn more.- Copper Protocol Cover Page (PDF)(1 pg, 15 K, January 27, 2016)
- Updated Draft Protocol for the Evaluation of Bactericidal Activity of Hard, Non-porous Copper Containing Surface Products (PDF)(13 pp, 165 K, January 29, 2016)
- Questions on Copper Surface Efficacy Protocol (PDF)(5 pp, 266 K)