Labeling and marketing materials for hand sanitizers claim that they can prevent infection from disease-causing germs and viruses, and some claim to protect against E. coli and the H1N1 swine flu virus.

There is no proof to support these claims and the companies are marketing them in violation of federal law.

Federal regulators are warning companies that make over-the-counter hand sanitizers to stop exaggerating the bacteria-killing benefits of their products

Hand sanitizer and other over-the-counter products can’t prevent dangerous staph infections no matter what they claim, federal officials warned Wednesday.

The Food and Drug Administration ordered four companies that make such promises to change their marketing practices, arguing there is no proof the store-bought products prevent H1N1, MRSA or E. coli – as they suggest.

The products include Staphaseptic First Aid Antiseptic/Pain Relieving Gel, Safe4Hours Hand Sanitizing Lotion, Dr. Tichenor’s Antiseptic Gel and CleanWell All-Natural Hand Sanitizing Wipes.

The manufacturers were given 15 days to change labeling and marketing material or face seizure of products.