Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network
SAFEFOOD NEWS - Fall 1998 - Vol 3 / No. 1
Go to Table of Contents for this issue
Helpful Artillery or Overkill?
The artillery to germ warfare is continuing to grow. Not only can consumers purchase soaps and cleansers that contain antimicrobial ingredients (e.g., triclosan), but now cutting boards, dishrags, sponges, and even some toys have been armed.
Will these products actually help fight germs and keep the consumer healthier? These products do retard growth of bacteria, but they do not kill germs on contact. Some products need 10 minutes of contact time to kill the bacteria. The other point to remember is they probably don't have any effect on viruses (colds, flu, etc.).
CDC's response is that, except in healthcare settings, there is no evidence that the use of antibacterial products prevents infection better than ordinary soap. Hand washing with ordinary soap and water is sufficient to reduce the risk of most common infections and does not add to antibiotic resistance. Besides not being necessary, down sides associated with the use of anti microbial products include the following:
- These products are often harsher and more likely to cause skin irritation than plain soap.
- These products are now being debated as being a potential factor in the emergence of resistant bacteria.
- There is concern that the consumer may view these products (cutting boards, sponges, toys, etc.) that contain an antimicrobial as being "self-sanitizing," and therefore believe they do not need to wash these products.
While it may be true that antimicrobials can help keep bacteria at bay, there is still no substitute for good hygiene practices such as washing hands with soap and warm water. If you want to bring out the guns without encouraging the growth of resistant bacteria, use bleach and chlorine-containing cleaners on your kitchen counter, floors, etc.!
Sources: 1) University of California at Berkeley Wellness Letter, Vol. 14, Issue 5, February 1998. 2) Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter, Vol.16, No. 8, October 1998. 3) CDC, "Antibiotic Resistance, Frequently Asked Questions," www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/antibioticresistance/faqs.htm
Updated Monday, August 29, 2011
