The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment conducted microbial tests on disposable cotton swabs, wet wipes for food service establishments, and sanitary towels, resulting in administrative actions due to some products exceeding the standards.
From July 1 to 18, the Institute tested 69 samples of disposable cotton swabs, wet wipes for food service establishments, and sanitary towels for bacterial count, fungal count (yeast and mold), and E. coli.
The test results showed that two adult cotton swab samples had bacterial counts of 4,900 CFU/g and 450 CFU/g, exceeding the standard limit (300 CFU/g or less). Among these, one sample also exceeded the fungal count standard (300 CFU/g). Both products were made in China.
One wet wipe sample for food service establishments showed a bacterial count of 21,000 CFU/g, exceeding the standard limit (2,500 CFU/g). All three sanitary towel samples met the standards.
Kim Ki-cheol, head of the Food and Drug Research Department at the Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment, stated, "During the summer, microbial management of hygiene products such as disposable cotton swabs, wet wipes for food service establishments, and sanitary towels is even more important. Manufacturers must comply with production standards and strengthen quality control. We will continue to conduct ongoing inspections of hygiene-vulnerable products."
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