Who regulates household products containing antibacterial agents?
Soaps and lotions containing antibacterial ingredients are regulated by the FDA as a drug if they claim to kill germs or reduce infection. Soaps and lotions containing antimicrobials, but making no therapeutic or medical claims, are considered cosmetics and need not be proven to be effective. Household cleaners intended to kill germs on surfaces typically say disinfects, kills bacteria or sanitizes. These cleaners are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Antimicrobials for inanimate objects or surfaces are considered pesticides by EPA. Tufts University recommends the following 10 steps to keep antibacterial compounds in check and help prevent antibiotic resistant bacteria from developing: • Use regular hand soap to wash your hands and regular dishwashing liquid for kitchenware rather than cleaning agents containing antibacterial chemicals. Soap gets rid of bacteria without encouraging the development of resistant bacteria. And hot water works better than cold to cut
