Regulator bans bleach brand across Argentina
Argentina's National Administration of Drugs, Foods and Medical Devices (ANMAT) has prohibited the production, use, sale, distribution and advertising of a bleach sold under the brand 656 Profesional throughout the country. The decision was formalized through Disposition 6539/2026, published Tuesday in the Official Gazette. The restriction applies to all lots of the product, also marketed as AGUA LAVANDINA. 656 Profesional. CONCENTRADA AL 60%, and extends to electronic sales platforms. The ban will remain in effect until the product obtains the corresponding sanitary registrations.[S1][S2]
The investigation began after a private individual consulted ANMAT's Household Products Service, expressing doubts about the legitimacy of the bleach. Following that inquiry, the agency carried out verifications and confirmed that the product was not listed in its official registries. Inspectors also failed to identify a facility responsible for its manufacture. ANMAT sent a postal notification to the address of the firm listed on social media, but received no response. The agency also requested information from the health authority of Buenos Aires province, which confirmed there were no records of the product in that jurisdiction.[S1][S2]
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Why the measure was taken and what it covers
ANMAT stated that the prohibition aims to protect potential buyers and users of the product, whose manufacturing conditions are unknown. The agency noted that both establishments and household products must hold the appropriate authorizations and registrations to be legally sold. The Directorate of Evaluation and Management of Monitoring of Health Products recommended banning the production, use, sale, distribution and advertising nationwide and on electronic sales platforms. ANMAT also involved its Program for Monitoring and Oversight of Advertising and Promotion of Products Subject to Health Surveillance to investigate the links used to promote and sell the bleach.[S1][S2]
The disposition states that a sanitary prohibition measure is appropriate because the product lacks registrations that would prove its legitimate manufacture and oversight under applicable regulations. The ban covers all lots of the bleach and applies to both physical stores and digital platforms. The disposition does not report any poisonings or other health harms associated with its use. The restriction will stay in place until the product secures the required sanitary registrations.[S1][S2]
