FDA Told That Antibacterial Products Play Invaluable Role in Everyday Lives of Consumers

Antimicrobial Coalition Presents Extensive Research on Effectiveness and Safety; Endorses Requiring Consumer and Professional Products to Meet Same Efficacy Level

WASHINGTON, DC - October 20, 2005 - The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) and The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) today told a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel that antibacterial hygiene products play an invaluable role in the lives of consumers.

The meeting of the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee (NDAC) is part of an ordinary FDA regulatory process. The SDA/CTFA industry coalition presented documented research demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of consumer antibacterial products. In documents submitted to the FDA, the coalition also endorsed requiring consumer antibacterial products to meet the same standard of efficacy as professional products.

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The industry coalition released the following statement:

"More than thirty years of research has proven that antibacterial products reduce or eliminate bacterial that can lead to commonly transmitted disease. As our presentation to the FDA demonstrated, these products play an invaluable role in the everyday lives of consumers.

"At the heart of this discussion is the fact that every day, people face great potential for the transmission of harmful bacteria to themselves or others. Antibacterial products are proven to control the risks associated with exposure to potentially pathogenic organisms, providing consumers with a valuable extra measure of protection.

"While laboratory studies have speculated about a link between antimicrobial products and bacterial resistance, there is simply no clinical, real-world evidence of increased resistance.

"There now exists compelling and well-established research demonstrating that antibacterial products render higher levels of bacterial reduction than those without an active ingredient. Importantly, antibacterial products are effective in controlling the growth and spread of germs. And in places where soap and water are not available, sanitizers and antibacterial wipes are highly recommended for maintaining good hygiene.

"We believe consumers should be assured they are using the most effective products available. Our coalition supports requiring consumer antibacterial products to meet the same efficacy level as professional products, as long as an appropriate, standardized method of testing is used by the FDA."

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