FDA Finds Harmful Bacteria in Antimicrobial Products

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers to avoid the use of Clarcon skin products. According to the FDA, there is a risk of bacterial contamination associated with the products.

Clarcon Biological Chemistry Laboratory Inc. voluntarily recalled some skin sanitizers and skin protectants sold under a variety of brand names after a recent FDA inspection found that the products contained high levels of disease-causing bacteria.

As a result, the FDA is advising consumers to not use any of the company's products, which include Citrushield Lotion, Dermasentials DermaBarrier, Dermassentials by Clarcon Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer, Iron Fist Barrier Hand Treatment, Skin Shield Restaurant, Skin Shield Industrial, Skin Shield Beauty Salon Lotion, Total Skin Care Beauty and Total Skin Care Work.

The FDA's analysis of several samples of the OTC topical antimicrobial skin sanitizer and hand protectant products revealed high levels of various bacteria, including some associated with unsanitary conditions. Some of these bacteria can cause opportunistic infections of the skin and underlying tissues. Such infections may need medical or surgical attention and may result in permanent damage.

FDA finds the inspection results particularly concerning because the products are promoted as antimicrobial agents that claim to treat open wounds, damaged skin and protect against various infectious diseases. The inspection uncovered serious deviations from FDA’s requirements.