FDA assesses fee to Ohio distilleries for hand sanitizer production
By Patrick Cooley and Erica Thompson - The Columbus Dispatch (TNS)
At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, when hand sanitizer was scarce, distilleries stepped up to produce sanitizer for health care workers and first responders. Since March, many have sold and donated thousands of gallons to first-responders, nonprofits and even farmers markets.
Now, a surprise FDA fee of $14,060 has left them feeling penalized for their good deeds.
The American Craft Spirits Association said distilleries began receiving notices this week that they owed the fee for operating as an over-the-counter monograph drug facility. The businesses were required to register as such when they produced the sanitizer, but distillers say they were not given a heads up about the cost. The fees are due on Feb. 12, according to the FDA website.