Antibacterial products may contribute to dangerous superbug crisis, study suggests
“Bacteria can swarm, growing in billions of colonies, and the principle of ‘survival of the fittest’ means those that aren’t susceptible to these chemicals are more likely to survive.”
Siegel agreed that there should be less of these chemicals in Americans’ products and environments, not more. “Good old soap and water is still the best cleaner for most things, but is frequently overlooked in cleansers, hand wipes and similar products,” he said.
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In October 2025, the World Health Organization warned that one in every six bacterial infections are resistant to antibiotics.
More than 1 million deaths each year are directly linked to antibiotic resistance, according to a study by the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) Project.
Millions die every year from antibiotic-induced infections, which are new infections or complications arising from the use of antibiotics that kill beneficial bacteria. (iStock)
The American Cleaning Institute, based in Washington, D.C., argues that while antimicrobial resistance is a serious global health concern, the newly published research reflects opinion rather than new data. Claims that such products provide “no added health benefit” oversimplify a complex issue, ACI added.
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“Public health authorities consistently recognize that the overuse and overprescription of antibiotic drug products in medical care and overuse in agriculture are the primary drivers of antibiotic resistance worldwide,” the organization said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.
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“Blanket recommendations to phase out entire categories of consumer products, without regard to their regulated uses and demonstrated benefits, do not advance public health and risk undermining effective hygiene and infection prevention practices.”
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/antibacterial-products-may-contribute-dangerous-superbug-crisis-study-suggests