Don't say 'latex free' - Food and Drug Administration

ERJ staff report (BC)

Washington, DC – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued draft recommendations to medical product manufacturers to ensure that consumers get accurate information about products that are not made with natural rubber latex (NRL).

The FDA is encouraging manufacturers of the medical products it regulates to stop using statements on labels such as “latex free” or “does not contain natural rubber latex” because these statements are not scientifically accurate.

The agency notes that people most at risk for NRL sensitisation include those who frequently use NRL gloves such as physicians, nurses, dentists, medical technicians, hairdressers, housekeepers, and food service workers. Employees in facilities that manufacture products containing NRL are also at risk.

These are external links and should open in new windows. If the window does not appear, please check your pop-up blocking software. ERJ is not responsible for the content of external sites.

News release

Draft labelling guidance

FDA Consumer Update: “There’s No Guarantee of ‘Latex Free’”