FDA Asks For More Proof That Hand Sanitizers Work
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Federal officials are asking for more proof that hand sanitizers work.
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a request this week asking for more scientific data to support the safety and effectiveness of some ingredients in hand sanitizers - a product that has become a staple in offices, schools and gyms.
The administrations says the request is meant to find out if using hand sanitizers on a regular basis has any unknown effects that should be of concern.
"These products provide a convenient alternative when hand washing with plain soap and water is unavailable, but it's our responsibility to determine whether these products are safe and effective so that consumers can be confident when using them on themselves and their families multiple times a day. To do that, we must fill the gaps in scientific data on certain active ingredients," said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Officials clarified, this does not mean they believe hand sanitizers are ineffective or unsafe.
According to the FDA, millions of people use hand sanitizers daily - sometimes multiple times a day.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says washing hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. If water is not available, then the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
