The maker of Dettol has said its product should not be ingested "under any circumstances" after Donald Trump suggested tests should be carried out to see if COVID-19 patients could be injected with disinfectant.

In a statement, RB said since the US president's remarks it had been asked if "internal administration of disinfectants" could be used to treat coronavirus patients.

"As a global leader in health and hygiene products, we must be clear that under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route).

"As with all products, our disinfectant and hygiene products should only be used as intended and in line with usage guidelines. Please read the label and safety information."

Image: Improper use of disinfectants

Lights and disinfectant: Trump's cure suggestions

Mr Trump made his remarks after one of his officials gave a presentation on the impacts of bleach and sunlight on coronavirus and how it reacts to different temperatures and surfaces, during Thursday's White House task force briefing.


"Right, and then I see the disinfectant, it knocks it out in a minute, one minute and is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning, 'cause you see it gets on the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs.

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"So it will also be interesting to check that so you're gonna have to use medical doctors. But it sounds, it sounds interesting to me so we'll see."

The president was already facing criticism for championing hydroxychloroquine as a possible cure for COVID-19, which has been shown to provide no benefit and possibly a higher risk of death.

Doctors immediately warned against the unproven idea, blasting it as "irresponsible" and "dangerous", and said it could kill people.