ACI calls potential FDA changes a “risk”

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) is warning against the FDA’s impending regulations on antibacterial healthcare hygiene products slated for proposal in 2015, according to a press release.

ACI says previous public announcements made by FDA questioning the safety and efficacy of key antibacterial ingredients have failed to acknowledge the full database of studies and research supporting the ingredients’ benefits and safety profiles.

The FDA Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee (NDAC) recently heard a presentation from ACI, including healthcare professionals and industry safety experts, in which it defended the use of the active ingredients used in antibacterial products.

“Any effort by FDA that would impede availability of these important ingredients would put patients and healthcare personnel at risk,” said Dr. Paul DeLeo, ACI Associate Vice President of Environmental Safety. “These products clearly save lives by reducing bacterial transmission, which can cause infections in healthcare settings. By reducing healthcare-associated infections, these products also reduce healthcare costs.”