Only 3 out of 15 Tested and Evaluated Products Achieved 99.9% Reduction of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mutans Streptococci
[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] The Korea Consumer Federation tested and evaluated the sterilization power of portable toothbrush sterilizers and found that only three products sterilized four bacteria?Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mutans streptococci?by 99.99%.
The Consumer Federation disclosed these test and evaluation results on the 19th for 15 portable toothbrush sterilizer products sold on the market.
Since there is no standard specification for verifying the sterilization power of portable toothbrush sterilizers, the Consumer Federation conducted tests under conditions most similar to consumers' usage environments. The method involved inoculating bacteria on toothbrushes, attaching them to the samples, and then measuring the bacteria reduction rate.
As a result of the sterilization test on the four bacteria?Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mutans streptococci?only three products out of 15, namely ▲O2Care (BS-4000), ▲Preshe (PA-TS700), and ▲Hanssem (4.0 LED Rechargeable Head Type), achieved a 99.9% reduction in all four bacteria.
The remaining 12 products did not reach a 99.9% reduction for all four bacteria, achieving 99.9% reduction only in some bacteria. The lowest reduction rate for Staphylococcus aureus was 40.7%, with an average bacteria reduction rate of 88.6% across the 12 products. For Escherichia coli, the lowest reduction rate was 47.8%, and the average for the 12 products was 91.5%.
Upon checking the electromagnetic compatibility certification display information, the Preshe (PA-TS700) product was not identifiable on the purchase site, and the Cas (MTS-100) product was not labeled on the purchase site, product label, or packaging. Subsequently, Preshe revised the display information on its homepage to make the electromagnetic compatibility certification identifiable.
A representative from the Consumer Federation stated, "Most toothbrush sterilizer companies did not meet the advertised 99.9% reduction rate," adding, "Performance and accurate information provision for portable toothbrush sterilizers are becoming increasingly important, requiring consumer interest and voluntary efforts from businesses."
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