COLUMBIA — Approximately 48,000 KN95 masks that were distributed to Missouri's first responders are being recalled.

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency said it is recalling approximately 48,000 KN95 masks that "do not meet standards."

According to SEMA, the recalled masks were distributed to local law enforcement and fire service agencies in all regions of the state on April 2 and April 8.

Although the CDC included KN95 masks as an alternative to other certified masks for COVID-19 response, SEMA and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services further inspected the masks and determined some of the masks did not meet standards.

SEMA said the recalled masks may bear the names “Huabai,” “SANQUI,” or be unmarked, with Chinese characters on the cellophane packaging, or other names.

SEMA said the recalled masks may bear the names “Huabai,” “SANQUI,” or be unmarked, with Chinese characters on the cellophane packaging, or other names. (The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency)

In a letter to emergency responders, SEMA said:

If your agency received KN95 masks from SEMA, we request that they be taken out of circulation and placed in a secure location until arrangements can be made for SEMA to collect the masks. Please do not utilize these masks during responses that require an N95 respirator mask.

SEMA said it will not distribute any additional KN95 masks.