Antimicrobial Science News: May 2026

By Rebecca Fuoco | May 12, 2026

More and more studies are being published on the harms—and often, lack of benefit—of antimicrobials but are flying under the radar. In these newsletters we will be sharing notable new peer-reviewed research related to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and other antimicrobials used in consumer products. In the past month, there have been studies published finding links to antimicrobial resistance, reproductive harm, and food contamination.

Antimicrobial Resistance

• A study found that the QAC called DODMAC significantly drives the spread of antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria in wastewater systems. (Beijing University of Technology)
• Listeria monocytogenes strains adapted to benzalkonium chloride grew better than the wild-type strain in pasteurized milk and pork sausage at 4 °C, “which poses a significant risk to food safety.” (Xinxiang University)
• Laboratory findings suggest that exposure to benzalkonium chloride at non-lethal levels can cause the foodborne bacterium Cronobacter sakazakii to adapt in ways that make it more toxic. (Shanghai Jianqiao University)
• A laboratory study demonstrated that prolonged exposure to subinhibitory concentrations benzalkonium chloride and other disinfectants cause Listeria monocytogenes to undergo phenotypic changes that increase bacterial tolerance. (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)

Food Contamination

• A study showed that wheat crops can take up and extensively metabolize QACs. The hydroxylated metabolites may exhibit unknown biological activities or ecological toxicity and could be more toxic than the parent compounds. (South China Agricultural University)

Reproductive Harm

• Benzalkonium chloride damaged pig egg cells by disrupting their mitochondria and disabling a key antioxidant defense system. (Anhui Agricultural University)