The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) told the maker of Purell to discontinue marketing campaigns that includes claims for avoiding flu and ebola, according to an article on The New York Times website.
The campaigns also claim the product can prevent spread of MRSA and norovirus.
The FDA told Gojo Industries that its claims that Purell could reduce the potential for infection or prevent illnesses violated the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
The agency said it was reclassifying Purell as an unapproved drug, rather than an over-the-counter product.