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DeWine disappointed with FDA's decision to limit technology that could sterilize up to 160,000 face masks

Mike DeWine
Posted at 10:34 AM, Mar 29, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-29 11:39:42-04

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized Columbus-based Battelle to sterilize only 10,000 surgical masks in Ohio each day, despite their ability to sterilize up to 160,000 masks per day in Ohio alone.

DeWine tweeted Sunday morning that he spoke with President Donald Trump about the issue and asked him to approve it.

Battelle Memorial Institute, an applied science and technology development company headquartered in Columbus, has developed new technology that would allow healthcare workers to sterilize up to 80,000 face masks per day, per machine, Gov. Mike DeWine said.

DeWine said he was disappointed with the FDA's decision to limit the use of the technology.

"The FDA's decision to severely limit the use of this life-saving technology is nothing short of reckless," said DeWine. "Battelle's innovative technology has the capability to protect healthcare professionals and first responders in Ohio and across the country, but in this time of crisis, the FDA has decided not to support those who are risking their lives to save others. This is a matter of life and death. I am not only disappointed by this development, but I'm also stunned that the FDA would decline to do all it can to protect this country's frontline workers in this serious time of need."

DeWine said he plans to fight their decision.

RELATED: New technology in Ohio could sterilize up to 160,000 medical face masks a day if approved by FDA

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