Kryptonite for Superbugs: Free Guides Offer Consumers Ways to Beat Bacteria
National Consumers League Releases ‘Bacteria Busters’ Guides

      WASHINGTON, D.C...With new strains of harmful bacteria on the rise, the National Consumers League has created two new guides to help consumers beat bacteria and live healthier, safer lives.

The two guides—available free to the public—recommend that consumers take such safety measures as washing their hands before eating, thoroughly cleaning their counters, and taking their complete course of antibiotics that are prescribed to them.

“With widespread overprescription and misuse of antibiotics, consumers are increasingly coming into contact with new strains of harmful bacteria,” said Linda Golodner, president of the National Consumers League, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. “Nearly everyone has heard about these so-called ‘Superbugs,’ but most of us aren’t familiar with what we can do to fight them.”

The first pamphlet, “Bacterial Resistance,” explains why “superbugs” develop. Among the factors creating drug-resistant bacteria: patients who demand antibiotics when none are necessary; and those who don’t take their entire course of prescribed antibiotics, thereby killing only those bacteria most susceptible to antibiotics. There may also be potential concerns with antibiotic use in animal feed.

The second guide, “Beating Bacteria,” offers basic tips to help consumers limit their exposure to harmful bacteria. Among the suggestions:

·         Keep your hands clean. Scrub them vigorously with soap for at least 10 seconds, cleaning in-between fingers. Many leading brands of soap contain anti-bacterial ingredients.

·         When in doubt, throw it out. Food contamination and improper preparation help spread harmful bacteria.

·         Keep your counters clean. Even the cleanest-looking surfaces may harbor bacteria, and some bacteria can survive for days on moist surfaces.

The free brochures are available online or by writing to the National Consumers League, 1701 K Street NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC, 20006, or by calling 202-835-3323.

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America's pioneer consumer organization. The NCL's three-pronged approach of research, education and advocacy has made it an effective representative and source of information for consumers and workers. NCL is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to representing consumers on issues of concern.

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