FDA Ruling Bans Use of Powdered Gloves

On Tuesday, December 19, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final ruling banning the use of powdered surgeon's gloves, powdered patient examination gloves, and the use of powder to don gloves in a healthcare setting, including all animal care and use facilities.

Per the FDA's statement, the continued use of powdered gloves presents numerous health risks, including allergic reactions, severe airway inflammation, wound inflammation, and post­surgical scar tissue formation.

The ruling went into effect on Wednesday, January 18, and applies to gloves already in commercial distribution and those already sold to the end user, as well as any gloves that would be sold or distributed in the future.

In accordance with the FDA's ruling, and in order to ensure the health and safety of both our program personnel and all animals under our care, please discontinue the use of any powdered gloves in your animal facility immediately. Any remaining gloves that meet the criteria listed above should be destroyed.*

* Use of these gloves for any other purpose is considered off­label use by the FDA;
therefore, these gloves should not be re­purposed for any other application within our facilities.

Should you have any questions or concerns about this new ruling, please contact the Animal Care & Use Office at acuoffice@umich.edu or call (734) 763­-8028.