Drugstore Hand Sanitizers Don't Kill MRSA, Warns FDA

On Wednesday the FDA issued warning letters to four companies that make or distribute the following over-the-counter products, saying that if they don't correct the violations, the products may be seized:

• Staphaseptic First Aid Antiseptic/Pain Relieving Gel by Tec Laboratories

• Safe4Hours Hand Sanitizing Lotion and Safe4Hours First Aid Antiseptic Skin Protectant, by JD Nelson and Associates

• Dr. Tichenor’s Antiseptic Gel, by Dr. G.H. Tichenor Antiseptic Co.

Clean Well All-Natural Hand Sanitizer, Clean Well All-Natural Hand Sanitizing Wipes, and Clean Well All-Natural Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap, by Oh So Clean Inc., also known as CleanWell Company.

The agency said that one company claims its lotion prevents infection from E. coli and the H1N1 flu virus and another says its "patented formulation of essential plant oils" kills Salmonella.  "These claims are also unproven, and therefore illegal," the FDA said.