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FDA Seeks Comments on Antiseptic Products for Food Handling

Foodborne illnesses have been in the news lately, from E. coli linked to romaine lettuce and nationwide ground beef recalls tied to salmonella.

As safer food preparation can help reduce the cases of foodborne illnesses, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a proposal to create a separate regulatory category for antiseptic products used in food processing settings. The FDA has established a docket for data, information, and comments that will assist the agency in assessing the safety and effectiveness of antiseptic hand washes or rubs used in food handling areas. The agency has invited facility managers running commercial kitchens, manufacturers of food handler antiseptics, and other interested parties to submit data and comments on the effectiveness of these products. This information will assist the FDA in its ongoing review of over-the-counter antiseptic drug products.