In a recent report by the FDA, a number of hand sanitizer companies are making false claims that their product(s) can prevent MRSA, or methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Deborah Autor, Compliance Director for the FDA states that “the FDA has not approved any products that prevent infections from MRSA, E. coli, Salmonella or H1N1.” Therefore, these claims by certain companies are erroneous and unproven.
Some of these unproven claims on the products are:
- Kills over 99.9% of MRSA
- Helps prevent skin infections causes by MRSA and other germs
- Is effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including MRSA.
FDA Warns Companies
The FDA states that they have contacted the companies in question and have requested that they remove these falsehoods. Specifically, four companies that have been sent letters are:
Staphaseptic First Aid Antiseptic/Pain Relieving Gel, by Tec Laboratories
Safe4Hours Hand Sanitizing Lotion and Safe4Hours First Aid Antiseptic Skin Protectant, by JD Nelson and Associates
Dr. Tichenor’s Anticeptic Gel, by Dr. G.H. Tichenor Anticeptic Co.
Clean Well All-Natural Hand Sanitizer, Clean Well All-Natural Hand Sanitizing Wipes, and Clean Well All- Natural Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap, by Oh So Clean Inc., also known as Clean Well Comany.
The FDA advises consumers
- Don’t buy over-the-counter hand sanitizers or other products that claim to prevent infection from MRSA, E. coli, Salmonella, flu or other bacteria or viruses.
- Ask your pharmacist or other health care professional for help in distinguishing between reliable and questionable information on product labels and company websites.
- In general, wash hands often, especially before handling food, to help avoid getting sick. Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds. For children, this means the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
- If you find products on the Internet that you belive make false, or unproven claims, tell FDA by following the instructions at Reporting Unlawful Sales on Internet. Report side effects that you tink may be related to using hand sanitizers or other medical products to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program either online, by regular mail, by fax, or by phone.
In the meantime, there are many natural remedies and recipes for making your own homemade hand sanitizers using essential oils and natural indredients.
As a healthcare worker of several years, I contantly worry about taking “bugs” home with me to my family. Homemade soaps with Tea Tree Oil (among other things) go a long way in keeping you out of harms way. Sure, our company puts waterless hand sanitizer all over the hospital…but I’ll stick with my essential oils.