Feds Warn Companies That Claim Their Products Fight MRSA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to four companies that make over-the-counter products, including hand sanitizers and antiseptic gels, alleging the businesses make claims that their products prevent infection from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (MRSA) and other bacteria including e.coli.

The FDA said it doesn't have enough evidence to show the products are effective for these purposes.

MRSA is a staph bacteria that's resistant to certain antibiotice including oxacillin and penicillin, said the U.S.Centers for Disease Control. While most of the severe MRSA infections occur most frequently in hospitals and other health-care settings, infections can be spread elsewhere through close contact including places like gyms, day cares and prisons.